A Ukrainian drone struck an upscale residential high rise in Moscow early Monday, causing visible damage to the building’s façade but no reported casualties.
The incident marks the third consecutive night of drone attacks targeting the Russian capital, just days before the country’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany.
Unverified videos circulating on social media showed emergency responders entering a heavily damaged apartment, with debris, shattered windows and dust scattered across the interior. Footage also showed drone fragments lying on nearby streets.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said two additional drones were intercepted. As a precaution, operations at Vnukovo International Airport and Domodedovo International Airport were temporarily suspended overnight.
According to Russia’s defence ministry, a total of 117 drones were intercepted across multiple regions between Sunday and Monday, including 60 targeting the St Petersburg region. Regional governor Aleksandr Drodzhenko described it as a “massive” attack.
The damaged residential building is located in a high end neighbourhood in south west Moscow, less than 10 kilometres from the Kremlin and Red Square, where Victory Day events are scheduled.
Drone strikes on Moscow have increased since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While much of the city is protected by advanced air defence systems, successful strikes close to central areas remain relatively rare.
Amid heightened security concerns, the Kremlin has announced a scaled back Victory Day parade this year, citing threats linked to the ongoing conflict. For the first time since 2008, heavy military equipment such as armoured vehicles and missile systems will not be displayed.
Local telecom operators have also indicated that mobile internet services may be restricted in Moscow during the week for security reasons.
Volodymyr Zelensky said the situation reflects growing pressure on Russia, suggesting concerns over potential drone activity near Red Square.
Ukraine has significantly expanded its use of long range drones, targeting infrastructure and energy facilities deep inside Russia. Zelensky also claimed recent strikes on Russian naval assets and oil tankers linked to efforts to bypass Western sanctions.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to carry out aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities, keeping tensions high as the conflict continues.
