Massive Drone Strikes Shake Moscow and Ukraine Amidst Rising Casualties
Moscow, November 11, 2024 - A significant escalation in aerial attacks was witnessed overnight as both Moscow and Ukraine were targeted by drone strikes, resulting in injuries and disruptions, reported Alayaran.com.
In the early hours of Sunday, Moscow and its surrounding areas were hit by a large-scale drone attack, marking one of the most intense assaults since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. According to Russia's Defense Ministry, 70 drones were intercepted, with 34 being downed over the outskirts of Moscow. The attack led to a temporary halt in operations at major international airports like Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo.
A woman in her 50s suffered burns to her face, neck, and hands when a drone strike ignited a fire in her village southeast of Moscow, as reported by local Governor Andrei Vorobyov. While no casualties were reported in Moscow itself, social media channels relayed eyewitness accounts of drone debris causing fires in suburban homes.
Simultaneously, Ukraine faced a "record" barrage of 145 Russian drones, with the Ukrainian Air Force managing to shoot down 62 of them. The rest either veered off course due to electronic interference or hit their targets. In Odesa, a residential area was struck, injuring at least one individual, according to local reports.
Amidst this ongoing conflict, UK Defense Chief Tony Radakin highlighted the severe toll on Russian forces, stating to BBC that October marked the deadliest month for Moscow's troops since the invasion began, with an average of 1,500 casualties per day. He estimated Russia's total war losses at 700,000, underscoring the "enormous pain and suffering" borne by the Russian nation due to President Putin's ambitions.
Radakin also commented on the strategic situation, noting that while Russia was making small territorial gains, these came at a "tiny increments of land" for a high price. He emphasized the need for continued Western support for Ukraine, even as discussions about potential peace negotiations under a Trump presidency loom.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed cautious optimism about Trump's upcoming presidency, highlighting his focus on deals rather than confrontation. Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan indicated that President Biden would advocate for sustained U.S. support for Ukraine during his final days in office, during his upcoming meeting with Trump.
The situation remains volatile with both nations experiencing significant aerial assaults, highlighting the enduring and escalating nature of the conflict.