Ukraine drone attacks on Moscow raise questions about Russian air defenses
7 reported
According to a single-source report from DW, Ukrainian drones struck locations across Moscow on June 18 in what was described as the largest attack since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The attack sparked debate about potential gaps in Russia's defense net, with a major oil refinery supplying 40% of the region's fuel set alight and production reportedly halted for several days. Evacuations occurred at Russia's largest airport, and eyewitnesses shared footage on social media that appeared to show failed air defense interceptions. Experts cited in the report offered differing views on whether the attack revealed systemic weaknesses or was a matter of increasing attack scale. Russian officials downplayed the incident, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that air defense had performed appropriately and urging focus on Russian strikes in Ukraine.
What’s reported
Ukrainian drones struck locations across Moscow on June 18, described as the largest attack since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.
A major oil refinery supplying 40% of the region's fuel was set alight, with production halted for several days.
Evacuations occurred at Russia's largest airport.
Eyewitnesses posted footage on social media that appeared to show failed air defense interceptions.
Russian dissident and military analyst Ruslan Leviev said his team recorded Russia downing more than 90% of UAVs over Moscow.
Ukrainian aviation expert Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi attributed the breach to systemic degradation of Russia's defense architecture and technological evolution of Ukraine's strike capabilities.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russian air defense performed appropriately and urged focus on Russian strikes in Ukraine.
Key figures
Ruslan Leviev, Russian dissident, military analyst, founder of Conflict Intelligence Team
Ivan Filippov, exiled Russian journalist
Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi, Ukrainian aviation expert and former air force officer
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson
Sources: dw.com
