Ukraine Missile and Drone Barrage Hits Russia Amidst Elections

Ukraine has initiated a significant military strike against Russia, deploying missiles and over 1,000 drones. Russian officials termed this attack the ‘largest ever’ during the war, coinciding with the parliamentary elections.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the operation for targeting assets fueling Russia’s war efforts, urging for peace. He stated, ‘Tonight in the Moscow region, our long-range responses were felt very acutely.’ He detailed the damage inflicted on crucial enterprises in Russia’s oil industry and logistic facilities, emphasizing the financial impact on Russia’s war capabilities.

Zelenskyy commented, ‘These are billions of dollars that support the war machine.’

The Ukrainian assault reportedly involved more than 400 drones near Moscow, marking one of the major strikes in the ongoing conflict. Images and reports from the scene showed flames and smoke rising from an oil refinery in southeast Moscow following the attack.

Zelenskyy urged the U.S., Europe, and G7 nations to impose new sanctions on Russia, reflecting their capability to counter the aggression. He highlighted the recent Russian aggression, including over 2,000 drones, 1,700 bombs, and 19 varied missiles aimed at Ukraine.

‘It is important that our partners also look for and find ways to make Russia feel its war,’ Zelenskyy wrote, emphasizing a unified approach for sanctioning Russia.

The drone strike coincided with the final phase of Russia’s parliamentary elections, with local authorities reporting casualties. Moscow’s Mayor described the drone attack as a strategic move intended to disrupt the election process, though claiming it was successfully repelled.

Russia’s defense reported shooting down 1,110 Ukrainian drones across various locations, including Crimea and the Black Sea.

Overall, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed continued resistance against Russian attacks and the attempt to influence the election process through strikes targeting civilian areas.

The parliamentary elections marked Russia’s first wartime vote, where opposition to President Putin’s policies was notably absent. Russia included contested regions in Ukraine, previously claimed but not fully controlled, in the election.

President Putin accused Ukraine of election interference, referring to an incident where a Ukrainian strike reportedly killed an election officer. However, details on this claim remain unverified.

Putin addressed the nation affirming unity and backing for the troops engaged in the Ukrainian conflict, declaring a collective support for shared values and historical ties, resisting any external division or intimidation.