On the night of March 10, 2025, extending into the early hours of March 11, Ukraine carried out what Russia described as the largest drone attack of the ongoing conflict, targeting Moscow and several other regions. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that its forces intercepted 343 Ukrainian drones overnight, reflecting an escalation in the war that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The barrage disrupted air travel across multiple Russian cities and caused casualties and damage, highlighting the intensifying aerial warfare between the two nations.
The attack concentrated on the Moscow region, with 91 drones reportedly aimed at the capital and its surroundings. Russian officials confirmed that at least three people were killed, including employees at a meat warehouse, while 17 others were injured. Residential buildings in southern suburbs like Sapronovo and Vidnoye sustained damage, and footage showed emergency crews responding to affected areas. Russia’s federal air agency, Rosaviatsia, temporarily halted flights at all four of Moscow’s major airports—Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky, and Sheremetyevo—as well as airports in Yaroslavl and Nizhny Novgorod, demonstrating the extent of the disruption.
Ukraine has not officially outlined its goals, but the timing of the assault, just hours before scheduled talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, suggests a strategic purpose. These discussions, planned for March 11, aim to explore options for a ceasefire, with Ukraine reportedly preparing to propose a partial pause in long-range air strikes and maritime attacks. Andriy Kovalenko, a Ukrainian security official, suggested that the drone barrage might push Russian leadership to consider Kyiv’s terms, presenting it as a message to Moscow ahead of the negotiations.
Russia’s response was immediate and comprehensive. Air defenses, including Pantsir systems and fighter jets, were activated across 10 regions to counter the assault. The Defense Ministry claimed most drones were downed, though the reported casualties and damage indicate some broke through. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova denounced the attack as a “terrorist act,” aligning with Moscow’s portrayal of Ukrainian actions against civilian targets.
This drone offensive follows a trend of increasing Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory, made possible by domestically produced drones and, until recently, Western assistance. The U.S. had paused intelligence sharing with Kyiv on March 6, potentially affecting Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian counterstrikes. Just last week, Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure with nearly 200 drones and 70 missiles, pointing to a cycle of retaliation as both sides rely on air power.
The war, now in its third year, continues to evolve with technology playing a central role. Ukraine’s drone capabilities have expanded, enabling it to strike hundreds of kilometers from its borders, while Russia maintains a strong defense network around its key cities. As of March 11, 2025, the conflict shows no immediate signs of easing, with this latest barrage emphasizing the challenges of achieving peace. The outcome of the Jeddah talks may depend on whether such displays of force can influence the diplomatic process or further entrench the standoff.
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