Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Moscow and surrounding areas on Sunday, September 20, as Russians went to the polls on the final day of the country’s parliamentary elections.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defences intercepted hundreds of drones heading toward the capital, describing the assault as unprecedented. Russia’s Defence Ministry said more than 1,000 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across Russia and occupied areas, although the exact number launched by Ukraine could not be independently verified.
The attacks caused damage in the Moscow region, including at an oil refinery and residential buildings. Russian authorities initially reported two deaths, while later updates put the number of fatalities in the Moscow region at three. At least 20 people were also reported injured in the attacks.
A fire was reported at the Moscow oil refinery, one of Russia’s important fuel-processing facilities. Emergency services also responded after a drone strike damaged a residential building in the Ramenskoye district, where authorities said hundreds of residents were evacuated.
Sobyanin accused Ukraine of deliberately attempting to disrupt the parliamentary vote. Russian authorities said the election nevertheless continued, with polling stations operating across the country.
Ukraine did not describe the attack as an attempt to interfere with the election. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had struck Russian oil and logistics infrastructure, arguing that such facilities help finance and sustain Moscow’s war effort.
The drone strikes coincided with the final day of Russia’s first parliamentary election since President Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Voting took place from September 18 to 20 to elect members of the 450-seat State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament.
The election was conducted amid the continuing war and restrictions on political opposition. Early results released by Russia’s Central Election Commission showed the ruling United Russia party leading with about 57.8% of the vote after more than half of the protocols had been processed. The Communist Party was in second place with about 13.7%, followed by the Liberal Democratic Party, New People and A Just Russia. The final official results had not yet been announced.
The Kremlin has presented the election as an indication of domestic support for its policies, including the war in Ukraine. Critics, however, have questioned the competitiveness of the vote, pointing to restrictions on anti-war and opposition candidates.
The attacks also came amid continuing Russian strikes on Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian drones killed four people in the Kyiv region, including three children, during overnight attacks.
Russia subsequently vowed to intensify its attacks on Kyiv in response to the strikes on Moscow, raising further concerns about escalation as both sides continue their long-range attacks.