In the largest drone assault on Moscow since the onset of the war in Ukraine, at least 32 Ukrainian drones targeted the Russian capital on Sunday, causing temporary flight diversions from three major airports and injuring one person, according to Russian authorities.

The drones were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defenses over several areas, including the Ramenskoye and Kolomensky districts in the Moscow region and Domodedovo, home to one of Moscow’s busiest airports, said Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. “32 drones flying to Moscow have been destroyed,” Sobyanin stated, noting that while no major damage was reported, flight operations at Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovo airports were affected.

Following the attack, operations resumed at the affected airports, confirmed Rosaviatsia, Russia’s aviation watchdog.

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Moscow, a sprawling metropolitan area of over 21 million people, has experienced similar drone attacks as part of the ongoing conflict, including a September strike that saw Russian defenses down 20 drones over the Ramenskoye district, located approximately 45 kilometers southeast of the Kremlin.

Video footage circulating on Russian Telegram channels purportedly shows drones in the skies above Moscow.

Russian officials have also reported drone strikes in other regions, including Kaluga, Bryansk, and Orlov.

The drone warfare tactic has emerged as one of the defining features of the 2-1/2-year-old conflict.

Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted Russian oil refineries, airfields, and critical infrastructure, including early-warning radar stations, with drones.

Meanwhile, Russia has launched mass drone attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

Both Moscow and Kyiv have adapted commercially available drones for military use while bolstering domestic drone production and developing advanced electronic jamming and defense systems.

Moscow has enhanced its drone defenses, implementing multiple layers of electronic “umbrellas” and air defense systems around strategic locations, including the Kremlin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has described Ukrainian attacks on civilian sites, such as power plants, as acts of “terrorism” and has promised a response.

This latest escalation comes as the conflict enters what some officials believe could be its final phase, particularly with recent advancements by Russian forces on the front lines.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, recently elected to his second term, has publicly stated he could broker a peace agreement in Ukraine within 24 hours.

Details of his plan remain limited, but reports indicate that Trump received a congratulatory call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after the election, joined by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, whose Starlink satellite system has provided crucial communications support for Ukraine’s military.

Despite the ongoing hostilities, daily life in Moscow appeared largely undisturbed by Sunday’s attack.

Residents continued their routines, with Muscovites walking their dogs and church bells ringing across the city.

However, the visible increase in drone activity and defensive measures reflects the ongoing tension as both sides continue to leverage drone technology in the conflict.

Moscow, supported by significant defense spending, has so far maintained stability within the capital, despite occasional attacks targeting its outskirts and critical infrastructure.

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