2024-11-10 12:50:00
Ukraine and Russia have once again attacked each other with drone attacks. Ukraine reported a total of 145 Russian drones in one night on Sunday. This is a record in the Russian war of aggression that has been going on for more than two and a half years, the anti-aircraft defense said. Conversely, Ukraine also attacked Russia with what was probably the most massive drone attack to date. According to Russian information, at least 34 of the aircraft headed for the capital Moscow on Sunday.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that 70 Ukrainian drone attacks had been repelled, including 34 in the Moscow region in the morning hours alone. Targets were in the Moscow districts of Ramenskoye and Kolomensky as well as in the city of Domodedovo, where one of the capital’s largest airports is located, as Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced. Flights from three major airports in the city had to be diverted and at least one person was injured.
According to its own information, Ukraine was able to shoot down 62 Russian drones on Sunday night. In total, Russia attacked with 145 drones. 67 disappeared from the radar screens, another ten flew on towards Russia, Moldova and Belarus. According to authorities, at least two people were injured in the attacks in the Ukrainian port of Odessa. There was also property damage. “Garages containing cars and property were on fire, homes and businesses were damaged,” local authorities reported.
The Russian Defense Ministry said early Sunday: “An attempt by the Kiev regime to use aircraft drones to carry out a terrorist attack on the territory of the Russian Federation was foiled.” There were initially no reports of damage. However, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo and Zhukovo airports had diverted flights. The airports were then able to resume operations a short time later, as the Rosawiazija Aviation Authority further announced. Moscow and the surrounding region with at least 21 million inhabitants is one of the largest metropolitan regions in Europe.
The Ramenskoye district, about 45 kilometers southeast of the Kremlin, was last attacked in September. At the time, the attack was considered the largest ever on the Russian capital; 20 drones were destroyed by Russian air defense units. Observers are currently seeing a new phase of the war, which is now focused on the air. Russian units continue to record successes in eastern Ukraine. The tide could continue to turn negative for Ukraine, also in view of the fact that US Republican Donald Trump won the presidential election last week.
Trump had declared during the election campaign that he could end the war within 24 hours, which would inevitably involve Ukraine losing territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Trump on his election victory. According to media reports, Tesla boss and Trump supporter Elon Musk also joined in on the phone call. Musk also owns SpaceX, which is critical to Ukraine’s defense effort with its Starlink satellite communications.
Drones are becoming increasingly important in warfare. The governments in Moscow and Kiev alike are trying to buy and develop new drones, use them in innovative ways and find new ways to destroy the craft. Ukraine complains that so far drones can usually only be combated with expensive material. In addition, the Ukrainian armed forces demand that they can destroy attacking drones over Russian territory.
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**Interview with Dr. Elena Petrova, Eastern European Conflict Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Petrova. This recent escalation between Ukraine and Russia involving extensive drone attacks has certainly caught global attention. Can you start by summarizing what occurred on Sunday?
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me. On Sunday, we saw a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine reported that Russia launched an unprecedented wave of 145 drones in one night, the highest number recorded since the beginning of the war. In stark contrast, Ukraine retaliated with what appears to be its largest drone attack to date, targeting Moscow with at least 34 drones. This marks a critical turning point in the conflict.
**Editor:** It seems both sides are ramping up their drone warfare capabilities. What implications do you think this has for the conflict moving forward?
**Dr. Petrova:** The escalation of drone attacks signifies a shift in the dynamics of the war. Both Ukraine and Russia appear to be relying more on drone warfare as a means of inflicting damage and maintaining pressure. This could lead to higher civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, especially in urban areas. Additionally, this pattern suggests that neither side is willing to back down, which may prolong the conflict further.
**Editor:** We’ve seen reports of both sides claiming successes in intercepting drones. How significant are these claims in the context of the evolving battle?
**Dr. Petrova:** The claims of interception are central to boosting morale and justifying the continued efforts on both sides. Ukraine reported shooting down 62 Russian drones, while the Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have repelled 70 Ukrainian drones. However, these figures can be tricky—the effectiveness of air defense systems remains uncertain, and simultaneous attacks complicate the ability to assess the actual impact. What is clear, though, is that both sides are increasingly engaged in a high-stakes aerial contest.
**Editor:** The attacks also resulted in some civilian injuries and disruptions in major airports. What does this mean for civilian safety, particularly in conflict zones?
**Dr. Petrova:** The targeting of major cities and airports indicates a troubling trend that could lead to greater civilian casualties. As urban areas become battlegrounds, the risk to non-combatants escalates. Flight disruptions in Moscow underscore the far-reaching consequences of this conflict, affecting ordinary citizens and adding another layer of complexity to the humanitarian situation. Civilian safety must be prioritized, but amidst intensifying hostilities, it often takes a backseat.
**Editor:** Lastly, what can we expect in the coming days and weeks as both nations navigate this dangerous escalation?
**Dr. Petrova:** The immediate future seems uncertain. We might see more drone attacks as both sides attempt to assert dominance and retaliate. Additionally, international responses will play a crucial role in how the situation unfolds. If the pattern of escalation continues, it could draw greater international involvement, particularly from NATO and neighboring countries, which may further complicate the existing situation. The hope is for diplomatic measures to diffuse tensions, but that appears to be a challenging path at this juncture.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for your insights on this critical and evolving situation. We appreciate your time.
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me.
