Image: from Russian Market X @runews
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
A Ukrainian drone struck a luxury residential building in Moscow early Monday, causing structural damage but no reported casualties, as tensions escalate days before Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations.
The attack marks the third consecutive night of drone activity targeting the Russian capital. Images circulating online showed shattered windows, debris scattered across the street, and emergency crews entering a damaged apartment in the upscale neighborhood located less than 10 kilometers from Red Square.
Authorities said two additional drones were intercepted, while airports including Vnukovo International Airport and Domodedovo International Airport temporarily suspended operations overnight. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that a total of 117 drones were intercepted across multiple regions between Sunday and Monday, including a large-scale attack targeting the St. Petersburg area.
The strike comes amid heightened security concerns ahead of the May 9 Victory Day parade, commemorating the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. The Kremlin has already announced a scaled-down event this year, citing security threats. For the first time in over a decade, heavy military hardware such as armored vehicles and missile systems will not be featured.
Russian authorities have also introduced restrictions on mobile internet services across Moscow throughout the week, citing security reasons as preparations for the event continue.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that the strikes demonstrate growing pressure on Russia, stating that concerns over drone activity even above central Moscow reflect underlying vulnerabilities.
Since the start of the war in 2022, Ukraine has significantly expanded its use of long-range drones, targeting infrastructure deep inside Russian territory, including oil facilities and military assets. Ukrainian officials recently claimed strikes on Russian naval vessels and oil tankers, including ships linked to efforts to bypass Western sanctions.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to carry out aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian authorities reported that a missile strike near Kharkiv killed at least four people and injured 18 others.
Although Moscow is heavily defended by advanced air defense systems, including the Pantsir-S, successful strikes near the city center remain relatively rare, underscoring the evolving nature of the conflict and the increasing reach of drone warfare.