Massive Drone Attack Hits Moscow as Russians Vote in Parliamentary Election
Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Moscow and surrounding areas on Sunday as Russians went to the polls on the final day of parliamentary elections.
Russian authorities said more than 1,600 drones had been intercepted since Saturday, including hundreds targeting Moscow. The attacks caused deaths in the wider Moscow region and damaged part of an oil refinery in the capital.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the assault as an unprecedented attack and said drones had reached parts of the capital despite Russian air-defence efforts.
A number of residential buildings were also affected. Authorities reported that around 400 people, including approximately 70 children, were evacuated from a damaged apartment building in the Moscow region.
The attack coincided with the third and final day of Russia’s parliamentary election, giving the incident an additional political dimension.
Election takes place amid continuing war
The election is the first Russian State Duma election since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
President Vladimir Putin has presented the vote as an opportunity for Russians to demonstrate support for the country’s soldiers and government during the ongoing war.
The ruling United Russia party has been expected to retain its dominant position in parliament.
The electoral environment has nevertheless attracted criticism from opponents of the Kremlin, particularly over restrictions on anti-war candidates and political dissent.
Reuters reported that most candidates openly opposing the war were prevented from appearing on the ballot. Russian authorities have also used laws concerning criticism of the military and alleged false information to prosecute individuals.
Cyberattacks reported
Russian electoral officials also reported cyberattacks affecting online voting systems.
Authorities said the voting process continued despite attempts to disrupt the election.
The government has accused Ukraine and other foreign actors of attempting to interfere with the election, although some individual allegations have not been independently verified.
Ukraine has not recognised Russia’s election as legitimate in territories occupied during the war.
The country’s own elections remain suspended under martial law.
Oil refinery damaged
The Moscow oil refinery was among the facilities affected by the drone attack.
The refinery is an important component of the Russian fuel system and processed around 11.6 million tonnes of oil in 2024, according to data cited by Reuters. It has previously been targeted during the war.
Attacks against Russian energy infrastructure have become an important element of the conflict, with Ukrainian strikes aimed at disrupting fuel production and Russia continuing attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure.
The impact has included fuel shortages and increased pressure on fuel supplies in some Russian regions.
Both Moscow and Kyiv have repeatedly said they do not intentionally target civilians.
War continues despite diplomatic efforts
The latest attack comes despite diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing the fighting.
Russia and Ukraine have continued to exchange strikes against military and infrastructure targets, while international efforts to negotiate an end to the war remain unresolved.
The election itself is therefore taking place against a backdrop of continuing military pressure, economic challenges and restrictions on political opposition.
Initial election results are expected to emerge after voting ends, with more complete results expected subsequently.
The drone attack has added another dramatic element to a vote already being closely watched because of its significance for Russia’s domestic politics and its continuing war with Ukraine.
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