In a daring and audacious assault, Ukrainian kamikaze drones unleashed chaos upon Moscow’s bustling business district in a meticulously coordinated three-pronged attack.

Early in the morning, the heart of Russia’s capital was engulfed in fireballs, and skyscrapers shattered as the strikes struck just a few miles from the Kremlin.

The first drone penetrated the much-vaunted air defenses of the city at 3:20 am, slamming into the 50-story IQ Quarter Tower, a prominent building in Moscow’s business district known as Moscow City.

This high-rise hub, housing upscale apartments and penthouses, was severely rocked by the attack. Shortly after, at 4:10 am, the second drone targeted the Oko-2 skyscraper, resulting in panic-stricken scenes captured on footage.

Despite scenes of destruction and reports of some wounded, including a security guard and an unconfirmed 21-year-old woman, the Moscow mayor claimed that the damage was relatively minor.

The Russian defense ministry attributed the downing of two drones to electronic warfare technology, while another was allegedly shot down during what they labeled an “attempted terrorist attack.”

Under attack

The targeted buildings included the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Digital Development, Telecommunications, and Mass Media, housing part of Putin’s propaganda machinery. The attack left government documentation strewn amidst the debris-littered streets.

The timing of the attack, coinciding with Russian Navy Day celebrations in St. Petersburg and Kronstadt, likely added to Putin’s displeasure. The ensuing security measures temporarily halted flights at major Moscow international airport Vnukovo, which is regularly used by Putin and his associates.

In response to the strike, the Kremlin unambiguously threatened the use of nuclear weapons, signaling the gravity of the situation. Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president and now part of Putin’s security council, underscored the crucial role of the Armed Forces in protecting Russia and its citizens from external threats while preventing a global nuclear conflict.

Crimea attack

Meanwhile, reports of a drone attack on annexed Crimea surfaced, with the region’s defense ministry claiming to have repelled 25 drones. However, Ukraine has not yet commented on these reported strikes.

Despite the chaotic nature of the attack, Moscow’s authorities routinely downplay such incidents to maintain a façade of success and prevent public alarm.