Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow during Russia’s parliamentary elections, causing damage and casualties
Ukrainian forces executed a significant drone assault on Russia overnight Sunday, deploying over 1,000 drones, with hundreds aimed at Moscow. The city’s mayor described this as the “largest ever” drone attack, which coincided with the conclusion of Russia’s first wartime parliamentary elections. Damage was reported at the Moscow Oil Refinery, a key fuel supply facility.Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed to have downed 1,110 Ukrainian drones nationwide, including in Crimea and over the Black Sea. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that 450 drones were intercepted before reaching the capital, but acknowledged some impacted the oil refinery and a residential building. The attack resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to 20 others in the Moscow region.
Unprecedented strike
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the use of various weapons in the operation, including the Flamingo cruise missiles and the newly implemented Pelican ballistic missile. A combination of other drones and missiles was also utilized as detailed by Ukrainska Pravda.
Zelenskyy remarked that key facilities supporting Russia’s oil industry had been targeted, emphasizing the financial impact on the war effort. He urged the United States, Europe, and G7 nations to impose stricter sanctions against Russia, asserting that the current situation calls for enhanced measures to secure peace.
The attack coincided with the final day of voting for the State Duma parliamentary elections, with expectations that the ruling United Russia party would further solidify its dominance amid a lack of opposition to President Vladimir Putin’s military strategies.
Ukraine launched MASSIVE ATTACK in attempt to DISRUPT Russia ELECTIONS — Russian MoD
1,951 DRONES and 8 FLAMINGO MISSILES shot down in 24 HOURS
MOSCOW WARNS RESPONSE IS COMING as STRIKES ON Kiev set to INTENSIFY pic.twitter.com/Fsm3mW3KG8
— RT (@RT_com) September 20, 2026
Elections overshadowed
Sobyanin commented that the attack appeared strategically planned to disrupt the electoral process. Despite attempts to interfere, he stated that the elections continued without significant disruption. Voting also took place in four regions of Ukraine illegally annexed by Russia amid ongoing conflict.
