Sep 20, Kathmandu - On the final day of the parliamentary elections in Russia, a significant drone attack targeted Moscow and its surrounding areas, causing widespread damage and casualties. According to Russian officials, over 1,600 drones were launched from Ukraine, with approximately 450 aimed directly at Moscow.

The assault resulted in damage to a refinery in Moscow and the deaths of at least two people. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that the large-scale drone strike was thwarted, although some drones managed to reach the refinery complex and even fell on residential buildings. The mayor also confirmed that one drone struck a residential area, while Russian news agency TASS cited officials stating damage to refinery structures.

Following the attack, fires broke out at the refinery site, and witnesses in Moscow reported hearing loud explosions and seeing plumes of smoke rising from the area. Social media footage verified by news agencies showed distant fires and thick smoke clouds filling the sky.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Ukraine's long-range strikes had a significant impact on Russia. He stated that key targets included Russia’s vital oil industry and a major logistics hub, which generate billions of dollars in revenue for Russia’s military efforts. Zelensky detailed the use of multiple systems in the operation, including FP-1, RZ-100, MICHT-2000, Palantycia, Vendetta, Luetti, Bars, Flamingo, Sichan, and Pelican. He expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s security, unmanned systems, special operations, and intelligence personnel involved in the operation.

Zelensky also reported an attack on an academic institution in the Bhoronezh region of Russia. The drone strike coincided with the third and final day of voting in Russia’s parliamentary elections, which President Vladimir Putin described as a test of public support for his policies amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

This parliamentary election marks Russia’s first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which has significantly influenced domestic politics and security measures across the country.