Massive Drone Attack Hits Moscow Region on Final Day of Russian Parliamentary Elections
Russia reported that more than 1,600 drones were intercepted during a major attack on September 20, including 450 targeting Moscow. An oil refinery was damaged and three people were reported killed.
Dharshini
Russia reported a major drone attack targeting Moscow and the surrounding region on September 20, coinciding with the final day of the country’s parliamentary elections.
According to Russian authorities, more than 1,600 drones were intercepted across Russia since the previous day, including around 450 that were reportedly heading toward Moscow. The figures were provided by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and other Russian officials.
Several drones reached the grounds of the Moscow Oil Refinery, where part of the facility was damaged and a fire was reported. A drone also struck an apartment building in the Moscow region, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents. Several homes and other buildings were reportedly damaged.
The Moscow region governor, Andrei Vorobyov, initially reported two deaths. A third person later died from injuries sustained in the attacks, bringing the reported death toll to three. More than 20 people were also reported injured in the wider Moscow region.
Sobyanin described the attack as unprecedented and accused Ukraine of attempting to disrupt the parliamentary elections. He said the attack did not prevent voting from continuing.
Ukraine did not immediately comment on the specific attack, although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later said Ukraine’s long-range strikes had hit important oil and logistics facilities in the Moscow region.
The reported drone numbers and casualty figures are based primarily on statements from Russian authorities, while the extent of damage has been reported by international news agencies. Reuters reported that Russia said it had downed more than 1,600 drones, including 450 headed toward Moscow, and later reported that the death toll had risen to three.
