Air defenses down another nine drones heading for Moscow

Moscow experienced its largest drone attack since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Russian officials claiming nearly 200 drones were intercepted approaching the capital and a staggering 555 shot down across multiple regions overnight. The concerted barrage, which inflicted fires at the crucial Moscow Oil Refinery and severely disrupted operations at multiple key airports, underscores Kyiv's escalating long-range strike capabilities and its intent to bring the costs of war directly to the Russian capital. The brazen assault, confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a 'fully justified response' to recent Russian strikes, including one on a historic Kyiv monastery, plunged Moscow into a day of black smoke and travel chaos. This marks the second time in a week that the vital Kapotnya district refinery, responsible for a significant portion of Moscow fuel supply, has been targeted, exacerbating existing fuel shortages in Russia that have necessitated rare maritime imports. The attacks signal Ukraine's growing strategic focus on Russia energy infrastructure and military logistics, even as reports suggest Russia is grappling with shortages of critical interceptor missiles. Looking ahead, the Kremlin faces immense pressure to bolster its air defenses, potentially reallocating resources from other regions and inadvertently creating new vulnerabilities. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has already vowed 'massive co-ordinated strikes on a regular basis' in retaliation, signaling a likely escalation in the conflict's intensity. Observers will be watching for further Ukrainian deep-strike operations, the stability of Russia domestic fuel supply, and the ripple effects on civilian morale and international perception, particularly as President Putin attempts to project stability while hosting ASEAN leaders.