Russia has described the latest wave of Ukrainian drone attacks as a message to NATO ahead of the alliance's upcoming summit, while signaling its readiness to intensify military operations in the ongoing conflict.
Russian air defenses intercepted more than 500 drones overnight in what officials described as a "night of drones," with some unmanned aerial vehicles reaching the outskirts of Moscow, according to Russian authorities.
The attacks temporarily disrupted air traffic at Moscow's Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports before operations resumed. Electricity was also restored in the Crimean city of Sevastopol after a power outage caused by Ukrainian strikes, officials said.
Russian political analyst Dmitry Meshik said Moscow viewed the attacks as an opportunity to send a strategic message to NATO leaders ahead of their summit, demonstrating that Russia is prepared to continue the war and increase the pace of its military campaign.
Meshik added that Russian officials and military observers expect further escalation in the coming period, including the expanded use of drones, missiles and precision-guided weapons.
He also said domestic calls for stronger retaliatory strikes against Ukraine have intensified following attacks on Russian oil refineries and fuel shortages reported in several Russian cities.
Russia's Defense Ministry has previously said its forces targeted Ukrainian military facilities and defense-industrial sites using advanced precision weapons. Ukraine has not immediately commented on the latest Russian claims.
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