In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow, resulting in the death of a woman in the capital region, multiple fires in high-rise buildings, and the temporary closure of major airports. Russian air defenses successfully shot down 20 drones near Moscow and approximately 150 drones nationwide, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The attack, carried out on Tuesday, saw Ukraine deploying domestically made, long-range drones to strike deep inside Russian territory. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported intercepting 144 Ukrainian drones in various regions, including the border area near the war zone in southwestern Russia and suburban towns around Moscow. Around 20 drones were intercepted over the Moscow region alone.

Ukraine has been increasingly focused on taking the war to Russia, as demonstrated by their surprise ground incursion into the Kursk region last month, capturing significant territory. Alongside ground operations, Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes, targeting oil refineries, power plants, airfields, and military factories within Russia. The objective is to disrupt logistics and gain leverage in potential settlement talks to halt Russian strikes on Ukraine.

The drones used in Tuesday's attack flew a distance of approximately 270 miles from Ukraine to reach the outskirts of Moscow. This strike marks the first time Russia has publicly announced a death in the Moscow region due to a Ukrainian attack. Witnesses shared footage of burning buildings and smoke plumes in the aftermath.

The damage caused by the attack includes two apartment buildings in Ramenskoye, a town in the Moscow region. Andrey Vorobyov, the regional governor, confirmed that three people were hospitalized and at least 43 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters. One drone struck a high-rise building, igniting a fire and damaging more than 50 apartments.

The Russian capital is equipped with a multilayered air defense system, with air defense systems strategically placed near high-value targets. Additionally, GPS signals in the area have been jammed, disrupting services relying on GPS, such as taxis. The Russian military claims to have gained considerable experience in combating drones.

While Ukraine has demonstrated its growing ability to strike deep into Russian territory, Russian missile and drone capabilities significantly outmatch Ukraine's. The conflict has resulted in far higher casualties within Ukraine, with the United Nations reporting over 11,000 civilian deaths since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022. Drone attacks from both sides have become a frequent occurrence in the war.

In a parallel development, Russia launched 46 Iranian-designed Shahed exploding drones and two missiles at Ukraine overnight from Monday to Tuesday. The Ukrainian military reported shooting down both missiles and 38 drones. The attacks damaged houses and caused injuries in various regions, including eastern Ukraine and the central Cherkasy region.

The situation remains tense as Ukraine continues its efforts to retaliate against Russian aggression, while Russia presses ahead with military operations in Ukraine's eastern regions. The international community watches closely as the conflict escalates, with hopes for a peaceful resolution growing increasingly uncertain.