A large-scale drone attack on Moscow and its Moscow Oblast began last night in the early hours of September 20, with people scrambling to get information regarding “атака БПЛА” (drone attack), “новости Москва” (Moscow news), Kapotnya and Orekhovy Boulevard amid reports of explosions, fires, and airspace restrictions in the capital region.
According to Russian authorities, hundreds of drones were shot down, although some made it to the city. The Moscow Oil Refinery facility in Kapotnya was damaged along with a building located near Orekhovy Boulevard (Ореховый бульвар).
Massive Drone Attack on Moscow – What Happened?
According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin over 1,600 drones have been intercepted within the defensive lines since 19 September, including about 450 that were targeting Moscow. Sobyanin stated that it was the largest attack using drones on Moscow, noting that several drones managed to hit the city.
These numbers are based on official statements by Russia which have not been confirmed independently.
The Moscow Oil Refinery located in Kapotnya, one of the key fuel facilities in the capital, reported damage to an object at their facility. There were reports of fires and damage in other areas of Moscow Oblast. According to Reuters, three deaths occurred in the Moscow area because of the attack, and there was significant damage to the refineries.
Kapotnya and Orekhovy Boulevard: What Residents Reported
If you typed Капотня, Ореховый бульвар, or новости Москва into a search bar, you may have noticed those terms rising fast. This spike came after reports of damage.
Moscow officials said a drone hit a housing block near Orekhovy Boulevard. First responders went to the scene. At the same time airport limits were set at Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky. Those limits were later removed.
The impact did not stay in one spot. Parts of the wider Moscow region were also hit. In some districts, local authorities said homes were damaged. Others mentioned damage to industrial and logistics sites.
DemocraX’s World coverage will follow developments stemming from the conflict and its broader international implications.
Why the Moscow Drone Attack
The timing adds another dimension to this story. The attack happened on the last day of Russia’s parliamentary elections. According to Sobyanin, the mission was carried out with the purpose of interrupting the voting process; however, this is the statement made by the Russian authorities.
It should be noted that previously Ukraine’s leadership described long-range attacks on Russian energy infrastructure as their attempt to minimize the capabilities of the latter to keep fighting in the war. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported previous attacks on Russian fuel facilities and refineries, especially in the Moscow region.
This story also demonstrates another aspect of the increasing role of drones in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. DemocraX geopolitics news coverage reports on the influence of modern wars on energy and trade relations.
What Will Happen Next?
The initial concern is about damage assessment, response measures, and if any subsequent strikes will follow. Ukraine claims to have conducted the strike, but Russia reports many intercepted drones and damages caused by the ones that succeeded in reaching populated and industrial zones.
For residents looking for information on “атака БПЛА Москва сегодня”, it is still unclear what the situation is at the moment. The precise number of drones that succeeded in reaching the target, the total damage caused and the consequences for the Russian fuel network will be clearer as more details come out from official sources.
DemocraX will keep this article updated with any independently verifiable information.
