Ukraine Launches Record Drone Attack on Moscow as Russia Votes in Annexed Regions

Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia, including largest attack on Moscow. Russia's parliamentary election in annexed regions sparks international concern.

Editorial Desk

September 20, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Moscow, Russia — Ukrainian forces launched a massive drone assault on Russia overnight, with over 1,000 drones targeting key locations, including the capital, Moscow. The attack, described by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin as the ‘largest ever’ on the city, resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that its forces shot down 1,100 Ukrainian drones across the country, including in Crimea and the Black Sea. Sobyanin stated that 450 drones were destroyed en route to Moscow, with some hitting the Moscow Oil Refinery and a residential area. The attack coincided with Russia’s first wartime parliamentary election, which was held in four Ukrainian regions that Moscow illegally annexed.

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Russian officials claimed the drone strikes were an attempt to disrupt the election, but they emphasized that the efforts failed. Meanwhile, Ukraine condemned the vote as illegal, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The incident underscores the escalating conflict and the strategic use of drone technology in modern warfare.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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