Explosions in Moscow and Moscow region linked to drone attacks
Explosions in Moscow attributed to drone attack (Photo: Getty Images)
According to the Russian local Telegram channels and Telegram channel of Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, on the night of July 30, explosions occurred in the Russian capital, Moscow, and Moscow region. The incidents are believed to be the result of drone attacks, with reports indicating the involvement of anti-aircraft defense systems.
It is claimed that one of the explosions occurred near the "Moscow City" complex due to a drone striking the location. As a result, one person, a security guard at the building, was reported to have been injured.
In addition, there are reports of several drones being shot down in the Odintsovo and Krasnogorsk areas by anti-aircraft defense systems.
According to online sources, an unidentified drone crashed into the 6th or 7th floor of a building.
Images and videos from the scene have also been circulated on social media.
Telegram channels reported that one of the drones collided with the "Ministry Tower" in Moscow City (housing the Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and others) and exploded on the 10th floor.
It should be noted that the Ministry Tower in Moscow City houses three Russian ministries: Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Ministry of Communications. Footage of Ministry of Communications documentation being blown out of the office by the explosion has also been shared online.
Mayor's response
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin referred to the incident as a drone attack and immediately pointed fingers at Ukraine, as is customary in such situations.
"This night, Ukrainian drones carried out an attack. The facades of two office towers in the City were slightly damaged. There were no casualties or injuries," he stated.
However, emergency services later reported a person injured in the "Eye-2" tower at Moscow City.
Russian Ministry of Defense claims intercepting the attack
According to the Russian military, their anti-aircraft defense systems intercepted three drones, supposedly of Ukrainian origin, attempting a terrorist attack on Moscow.
They reported that:
- One drone was destroyed in the air over the Odintsovo district in Moscow region.
- Two other drones were neutralized using electronic warfare systems, causing them to lose control and crash in the Moscow City complex.
Closure of Vnukovo airport
In response to the explosions and for safety reasons, Vnukovo airport suspended all inbound and outbound flights. Alternate flight routes were arranged for affected flights.
Later, aviation authorities announced the resumption of flight operations at Vnukovo airport. However, passengers were left stranded on planes for over three hours.
Drone attacks on Moscow becoming more frequent
Recent reports from Russia indicate an increase in drone attacks, often attributed to Ukraine. For instance, on the night of July 28, a "hostile drone" allegedly attempted an attack on a Moscow facility but was thwarted by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Earlier, on the morning of July 24, Moscow was targeted by two drones. One of them hit a business center housing a Leroy Merlin store, while the other crashed near the building of the Russian Ministry of Defense and the headquarters of GRU cyber intelligence.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted both drones, accusing Ukraine of the attack.
Meanwhile, sources from RBC-Ukraine reported that the drone attack on Moscow on July 24 was a special operation carried out by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
