Ukrainian forces have launched their largest drone onslaught on Moscow in two years, with President Volodymyr Zelensky declaring that control of the skies will determine the war's outcome. More than 430 drones targeted the Moscow region overnight, including 36 aimed at the capital, causing widespread disruption as Kyiv's troops hammered Russian positions elsewhere. In a single night, Ukraine's drone teams also destroyed eight oil tankers from Russia's illegal 'shadow fleet' in the Sea of Azov, and blew up a ferry and a cargo ship linking the mainland to Crimea.
Zelensky's Air Strategy and Warning to Putin
Zelensky told the Financial Times: 'Today I believe victory in this war belongs to whoever is smarter. We have moved into the air domain. And in the air, we are already competitive.' Ukraine's frontline drones commander Robert Brovdi said: 'Pilots ...hunted down and hit eight tankers from Russia's shadow fleet in a single night. The battle for fuel supplies to Crimea in the Sea of Azov continues. We will stand. Moscow will fall. We will feed and rebuild Crimea.' Even though many Ukrainian drones heading for Moscow were shot down, falling debris is believed to have caused widespread damage.
Impact on Putin's War Effort and Domestic Unrest
The large-scale assault on Russian targets comes as Putin faces immense pressure over his inability to fund the full-scale invasion, with petrol shortages making the war increasingly unpopular across Russia. Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba argued the attacks are aimed at crippling Putin's ability to pay for the war. Kuleba said: 'Legitimate questions arise as to whether the activities of such vessels can be regarded solely as ordinary commercial operations.' He described Putin's shadow fleet as 'critical to the generation of budget revenues for the Russian Federation and the continuation of its war effort.'
NATO Summit Appeal for Anti-Ballistic Missile Defense
The Ukrainian assault was launched 24 hours after a Russian ballistic missile onslaught on Kyiv killed at least 19 people. At the NATO summit in Turkey, Zelensky was expected to appeal for urgent supplies of anti-ballistic missile protection. Because of the high trajectory of ballistic missiles, Ukraine's defense systems have less time to intercept them. The summit also offered an opportunity for Zelensky to meet with Donald Trump and emphasize that Russia's attacks show Putin is on the back foot. Zelensky has demanded European allies hand over their stockpiles of Patriot missiles, arguing they are useless in storage while civilians are being killed. He said recently: 'Russia is placing its bets on ballistic weapons, and those who want peace must place their bets on protection against ballistic attacks.' However, Patriot systems are in short supply worldwide, and it remains unclear how many would be enough if Russia escalates its ballistic attacks further.
Moscow Accuses Kyiv of Terrorism
The Russian attacks suggest Ukraine's deep strikes are deeply affecting Moscow society. After years of Russia targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, including power stations in mid-winter, Moscow is now accusing Kyiv of 'terrorism' for hitting its oil refineries with drones. Putin is seen as vulnerable because Russia is not making meaningful progress in the war, while Kyiv is increasingly attacking across the border.
