Russia says drones lightly damage Moscow buildings before dawn, while Ukraine’s capital bombarded

Title: Russia Faces Drone Attack in Moscow while Ukraine’s Capital Continues to Be Bombarded

Subheading 1: Drone Attack Hits Moscow, Causing Light Damage

A rare drone attack shook Moscow early Tuesday, resulting in light damage but leading to evacuations as residential buildings were struck in the Russian capital for the first time in the ongoing war against Ukraine. The attack caused only insignificant damage to several buildings, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Although two individuals received treatment for injuries, they did not require hospitalization. As a precautionary measure, residents from two damaged high-rise buildings were evacuated. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that five drones were shot down, and three others had their systems jammed, causing them to deviate from their intended course.

Subheading 2: Kyiv Faces Relentless Bombardment from the Kremlin

Simultaneously, the Kremlin continued its relentless bombardment of Kyiv, launching a third assault on the city within 24 hours. This escalation in attacks underscores the intensity of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry labeled the drone attack in Moscow a “terrorist” act by Kyiv. President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of initiating the attack in response to Russia striking Ukraine’s military intelligence headquarters in Kyiv over the weekend.

Subheading 3: Moscow Reacts to the Attack

President Putin praised Moscow’s air defense system for working “satisfactorily” but acknowledged the need to address the gaps in the system. He condemned the attack as an act of terrorism by the Ukrainian government, aimed at intimidating Russian citizens and targeting civilian buildings. Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, commented that attacks on Russia reinforced the necessity of pursuing the Kremlin’s declared “special military operation.”

Subheading 4: Ukraine’s Response and International Perspectives

Ukraine did not directly comment on the drone attack in Moscow. However, Ukrainian intelligence representative Andrii Cherniak denied Russia’s claim that missiles from the attack on Kyiv’s military intelligence headquarters had been successfully shot down. While Ukrainian military analysts could not confirm if Kyiv was responsible for the drone attack in Moscow, they suggested that UJ-22 drones, produced in Ukraine with a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), might have been used.

The United States, amid the escalating conflict, reiterated that it does not support Ukraine using American weaponry for attacks inside Russian territory. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, stated that the U.S. administration has made its position clear to Ukraine both publicly and privately. She refrained from commenting on whether administration officials have discussed the Moscow incident with Ukrainian counterparts.

Subheading 5: Kyiv Suffers Pre-dawn Air Raid

In contrast to the limited damage observed in Moscow, Kyiv faced a significant air raid before dawn on the same day. The attack resulted in the death of at least one person and injuries to 11 others, prompting residents to seek shelter once again. Ukrainian air defense forces successfully destroyed 20 out of 31 Shahed drones, mostly in the Kyiv area.

The heavy destruction in Kyiv stood in stark contrast to the minor damage inflicted in Moscow. The aftermath of the attack in Kyiv revealed burned-out cars, shattered glass, and debris strewn across the streets. A high-rise building was set ablaze, potentially due to drone debris or interceptor missiles. Rescue efforts were underway, with fears that people may be trapped in the rubble.

The continuous attacks have heightened anxiety among residents, leaving them uncertain about the future and the possibility of further assaults.

Note: Subheadings have been added for clarity and organization purposes.

What was the extent of the damage caused by the drone attack in Moscow?

The drone attack in Moscow resulted in only light damage to several buildings, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. The damage was described as insignificant, and while two individuals received treatment for injuries, they did not require hospitalization. Additionally, residents from two high-rise buildings that were damaged in the attack were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

What was the response of the Russian government to the drone attack?

The Russian government condemned the drone attack in Moscow as a “terrorist” act by Kyiv. President Vladimir Putin labeled it as an indication of terrorist activity by the Ukrainian government. He praised Moscow’s air defense system for working satisfactorily but acknowledged the need to address any gaps in the system.

Did Ukraine claim responsibility for the drone attack in Moscow?

Ukraine did not directly comment on the drone attack in Moscow. However, Ukrainian military analysts suggest that the attack may have involved UJ-22 drones, which are produced in Ukraine. These drones have a maximum range of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). While they could not confirm whether Kyiv was responsible for the attack, Ukrainian analysts noted the capabilities of the UJ-22 drones.

How has Kyiv been affected by the ongoing conflict?

Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, has faced relentless bombardment from the Russian forces. The recent attack mentioned in the text was the third assault on the city within 24 hours. Pre-dawn air raids have caused casualties, with at least one person reported dead and 11 others wounded. The city has experienced significant destruction, with burned-out cars, shattered glass, and debris littering the streets. Residents have been forced to seek shelter repeatedly due to the ongoing attacks.

What is the stance of the United States regarding the conflict?

The United States does not support Ukraine using American weaponry for attacks inside Russian territory. The U.S. administration has made this position clear both publicly and privately to Ukrainian officials. The focus of the United States is to support Ukraine in its defense efforts while urging a peaceful resolution to the conflict.