Moscow reports massive Ukrainian drone attack ahead of NATO summit

Moscow experienced a massive overnight drone assault, with the city's mayor reporting that over 400 Ukrainian drones targeted the region between evening and 6:00 AM. Mayor Sergey Sobyanin stated on the state platform "MAX" that while many drones were neutralized far from the city by air defense forces, 36 enemy aircraft were destroyed near Moscow.

The attacks extended to the Belgorod region in southwestern Russia. Acting Governor Alexander Shuvayev reported that the city of Belgorod and surrounding areas were hit by Ukrainian missiles. Tragically, one civilian resident was killed in the village of Belovskoye during the first missile strike, according to Shuvayev's statement on the "MAX" platform.

These widespread strikes come just one day before a crucial two-day NATO summit is set to begin in Turkey. The conflict in Ukraine and the need for enhanced air defense support are expected to be central themes of the discussions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged allies to make "decisive decisions" regarding air defense aid following recent deadly Russian strikes in Ukraine that claimed 30 lives.

Both Russia and Ukraine have intensified long-range strikes against each other in recent months. Both nations regularly report drone and missile attacks targeting areas far beyond the front lines, indicating a sustained escalation in the conflict.