Ukraine launched over 140 drones on Russia overnight, resulting in the death of a woman near Moscow, grounding flights, and activating air defenses across various regions, officials reported on Tuesday. Russia’s Ministry of Defense stated they had intercepted 144 Ukrainian drones during the night, including 72 over Bryansk, 20 over Moscow, 14 over Kursk, 13 over Tula, and 25 over five other areas.
Moscow regional governor Andrey Vorobyov confirmed in a Telegram post that a 46-year-old woman was killed and several others were injured during the strikes. However, an earlier report mentioning the death of a 9-year-old child remains unconfirmed.
The attack led to flight cancellations and delays at four Moscow airports, including major hubs Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo, as reported by state media. In Bryansk, which borders Ukraine, regional Governor Aleksandr Bogomaz stated on Telegram that a significant terrorist attack occurred, but there were no casualties or damage as all attacks were repelled.
Both Ukraine and Russia frequently conduct nighttime drone strikes on each other’s territory.
### Advances in the East
This latest drone wave coincides with Moscow’s continued claims of incremental gains in eastern Ukraine, more than 30 months into its offensive, while Kyiv’s forces advance into Russia’s Kursk region. Russia announced on Monday that its forces had captured the Ukrainian village of Memryk, viewed as a critical step toward the logistics hub of Pokrovsk, approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) away. Pokrovsk is a vital junction for supplying Ukrainian troops and towns along the eastern front and has been a long-standing target for Moscow.
Kyiv’s offensive in Kursk, launched on August 6, aimed to compel Russia to shift troops from the eastern front, yet Moscow appears to have intensified its attacks in the area. Additionally, Moscow has continued its aerial assaults on Ukraine, notably targeting key energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
Ukraine’s Sumy region reported the downing of three Russian drones overnight, while air defenses were also activated around Kyiv. The capital’s military administration later confirmed there were no significant consequences from the Russian UAV attacks.
United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk condemned Russian assaults on Ukraine’s energy facilities on Monday. He highlighted the enduring hardships faced by Ukraine’s population, including attacks on civilian locations like hospitals, schools, and supermarkets, alongside repeated strikes on energy infrastructure. “I fear for Ukrainians this coming winter,” Turk stated at the UN Human Rights Council.
