Russia Launches Counter-attack As Ukraine Targets Moscow With 400 Drones

Moscow: Tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war have escalated further. Between Sunday night and Monday morning, Ukraine launched over 400 suicide drones toward the Russian capital, Moscow. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed the development on Monday. Mayor Sobyanin stated that most of the drones were destroyed well away from the capital, while 85 were intercepted within the Moscow region. 

What is the situation in Moscow? 

According to Andrei Vorobyov, the governor of the region surrounding Moscow, ten people were injured in the attack. Several residential buildings and civilian infrastructure facilities sustained damage.
Yevgenia Khrustaleva, the administrative head of the Domodedovo district, reported a fire at the Yuzhny Vrata Industrial Park, located approximately 30 kilometers south of Moscow. Astra News also reported a fire at an oil depot in Podolsk, 20 kilometers from Moscow, though this has not been officially confirmed. Notably, this attack occurred just hours after Russia launched ballistic missile strikes on several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. Russia also retaliated in response to these attacks. 

What do we know about Ukraine's Growing Drone Warfare Capabilities? 

Ukraine has been rapidly advancing its long-range drone technology during the war. Kyiv's forces are specifically targeting Russian oil facilities, exacerbating fuel shortages and strategic difficulties for Russia. In May, the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that its air defenses had shot down 1,054 Ukrainian drones within a 24-hour period. Meanwhile, Kyiv is seeking advanced interceptor missiles from its foreign partners, as intercepting Russian ballistic missiles is far more difficult than intercepting drones or cruise missiles.

Is Russia's Counter-Attacks Continuing? 

Russia has increased its use of ballistic missiles in recent weeks. According to Ukrainian officials, at least six people were killed and dozens injured in attacks that took place on Sunday. 
The Institute for the Study of War stated on Sunday that the number of ballistic missiles Russia has launched so far in July equals its typical monthly production output. On Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that its forces had struck fuel tanks at the port of Odesa in southern Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched two ballistic missiles and 94 long-range drones overnight. Ukrainian air defenses destroyed or jammed 81 drones, while nine drones and one missile caused damage at various locations.

Is Zelenskyy Grappling with a Domestic Crisis? 

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday that he would hold "crucial talks." A political crisis has deepened in the country following a cabinet reshuffle last week. There is profound dissatisfaction among the opposition and the public regarding the appointment of 35-year-old Mykhailo Fedorov to the Defense Ministry and the decision to retain 60-year-old General Oleksandr Syrskyi as the head of the armed forces.
 Following these decisions, street protests took place—some in support of Fedorov and others opposing Syrskyi. Zelenskyy must now reassure the public that these changes will not impact the war effort against Russia.