Explosions shake Moscow streets as drones spread chaos across Russia's capital
Illustrative photo: Russian air defense hits Moscow (Getty Images)
Moscow was unexpectedly attacked by unidentified drones on the evening of October 26. Russian authorities traditionally reassured the public that everything had been shot down. Meanwhile, explosions were heard across the city, according to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation and Russian media.
Kovalenko briefly wrote that Moscow was under drone attack but did not provide further details. Russian media, however, published numerous photos and videos from the capital. Loud explosions were reported, and plumes of smoke were rising in parts of the city. Panic spread among Moscow residents through local chat groups.
Russian channels claimed that a Ukrainian drone allegedly hit a high-rise building. However, this appears more likely to be the result of Russia's own air defense system, which has a history of striking its own buildings.
Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin insisted Russia's air defenses were successfully "repelling drone attacks." He did not comment on the visible smoke rising in the city.
Photo: Smoke over Moscow while authorities report drone attacks are being intercepted
Photos have already circulated online showing a Russian equivalent of Ukrainian fire groups. Russian soldiers in a pickup truck equipped with a machine gun were seen directly opposite the Kremlin.
Earlier on October 26, explosions were reported in the Moscow region near an airfield hosting Russian strategic aviation. The Shaikovka airbase, also home to strategic aviation, and Kaluga Airport in the Kaluga region were reportedly under attack.
Ukrainian forces also struck the Belgorod dam on October 26. The attack caused the dam to start leaking water. This left Russian forces near Vovchansk cut off from the main body of their army.
