Russia reports countering drone strikes during controversial election

Russia defends against multiple drone attacks in vital regions, including the capital

Russia has repelled multiple drone attacks across its territory, including in the Moscow region, amid its ongoing general election.

The Russian Defense Ministry declared that its forces destroyed dozens of drones in these attacks, signifying a notable escalation in the conflict.

Attackers targeted an oil refinery in the southern Russian region of Krasnodar. This attack marks the sixth incident of its kind in Russia in the past week.

Despite the interception of 17 drones at the refinery, one caused a fire upon crashing. The fire did not cause fatalities.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin disclosed on Telegram that air defenses shot down four drones aimed at the capital.

Specifically, two drones were intercepted in the Domodedovo district, a critical area housing Moscow’s airport.

These drone attacks occurred as Russia conducted a general election, widely expected to secure President Vladimir Putin another term.

In response to the election and Putin’s expected victory, opposition supporters have mobilized the ‘Noon Against Putin’ initiative. Inspired by late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, the movement calls for simultaneous voting across Russia’s time zones as a form of protest.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the situation remains tense. Ukrainian defense forces in the southern region reported thwarting 13 Iranian-made Shahed drones in an attack on Odesa.

Although this strike caused property damage, it fortunately resulted in no injuries. This incident follows a recent devastating missile attack in the same city, which claimed over 20 lives.

Source: Newsroom