In recent months, a surge in suspected drone attacks in Russia and Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine has intensified tensions between the two neighboring nations. While Ukraine hasn’t officially claimed responsibility for these drone strikes, they have been occurring at an alarming rate, causing significant concern in Russia.
The most recent suspected drone attacks struck near Moscow’s main business district, raising serious security concerns. One attack targeted a skyscraper under construction on August 23rd, while another hit the Expo Centre exhibition complex a few days earlier.
Furthermore, in the border region of Belgorod, three people were tragically killed by a suspected drone attack on August 23rd. In Kursk Region, five people were injured when a railway station was targeted in a previous incident.
Notably, one of Russia’s flagship Tupolev Tu-22 bombers was left ablaze after a suspected drone attack at an airbase south of St. Petersburg, according to verified footage by the BBC.
The scale of these drone attacks is alarming, with reports indicating over 160 suspected aerial drone attacks this year in Russia and Russian-controlled territories in Ukraine. Additionally, a dozen sea drone attacks have targeted Russian interests in the Black Sea, including naval bases and the Crimean bridge.
The Bryansk and Belgorod regions in Russia, near the western border with Ukraine, have experienced a significant concentration of aerial drone attacks. Russian-annexed Crimea has also witnessed numerous such incidents.
In recent months, Moscow has become a target for drone strikes, despite being approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles) from the Ukrainian border. A wave of attacks on May 30th damaged several buildings in the city. Drone attacks on July 4th temporarily diverted flights from Vnukovo International Airport and led to a brief closure. Similar incidents occurred on July 30th and August 1st.
One particularly concerning allegation was made by Russia, claiming an attempt on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Kremlin on May 3rd. Ukraine has denied any involvement in this alleged attack.
The targets of these drone attacks have varied widely, including oil facilities, airfields, and energy infrastructure. Notably, nine reported drone attacks have targeted oil depots. One such attack in Sevastopol, Crimea, on April 29th, destroyed several oil tanks.
Drone specialist Steve Wright examined images of the drones used in these attacks and concluded that some were consistent with a type known as the “Beaver,” allegedly recently manufactured by Ukraine.
Both Russia and Ukraine have deployed drones in the conflict, with Iran-made drones used by Russia against Ukrainian targets. Ukraine has rapidly increased its drone production in response to the growing demand on the front lines.
Experts believe that drones launched from Ukraine can reach deep into Russian territory, potentially as far as Moscow itself. However, the exact origin and launch sites of these drone attacks remain a subject of debate.
While Ukraine has not officially confirmed its involvement in these attacks, it’s clear that the nation possesses the capability to launch long-range drone strikes from within its territory
This situation has escalated tensions and raised questions about the future of this ongoing conflict.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
