A drone strike early on March 11, 2025, marked one of the largest attacks on Russian territories since the escalation of conflict following the invasion of Ukraine. Multiple regions, most prominently Moscow, were targeted, leading to several fatalities and extensive damage.
According to Andrei Vorobyov, the Governor of the Moscow Region, the assault was aimed at individuals. "The target of the Ukrainian drone attack in Domodedovo was people," he stated via his Telegram channel. He recounted how the drone strike occurred at 5:14 AM, coinciding with the start of shifts for employees at the "Miratorg" production complex. Tragically, two workers were killed when the drone struck the parking lot.
Following the attack, Vorobyov reported, operational services quickly arrived at the scene. He added, "We are currently compiling a list of damages; preliminary reports indicate around 40 cars were affected." Eyewitness reports detailed the panic as drones caused explosions across the region.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed earlier reports of the drone assault, stating there was significant drone activity throughout the Moscow region on the morning of March 11. The Ministry of Defense later announced the interception of 337 drones throughout various Russian regions, citing specifics of which areas had the most interceptions—including 126 drones purportedly shot down in the Kursk region and 91 around Moscow.
Casualties from the attack reached alarming numbers, with reports indicating at least three fatalities and 18 injuries, including three children. Vorobyov disclosed, "Six people remain hospitalized, one of whom is critically ill, and two adults are deceased." This triggering the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation to launch terrorism investigations aimed at identifying the types of drones used as well as the explosives involved.
The chaos was not limited to Domodedovo; residents across the Moscow region described their harrowing experiences. One resident from Ramenskoye recounted hearing explosions throughout the night. "I was shocked. It felt like gas pipes were bursting nearby," she shared. "I could even see the orange flashes outside." Others mentioned they heard every impact distinctly, with one woman from Vidnoye commenting on the explosive noise comparing it to the launch of rockets: "It was just like what I imagined it would be at Baikonur!"
Reports of structural damage were widespread, with many apartment buildings and cars sustaining significant harm. Specifically, seven apartments on the 21st and 22nd floors of one building were damaged during the attacks. No residents from the damaged homes were hospitalized, indicating some resilience amid the chaos. Yet, the emotional toll on civilians was palpable. Social media posts revealed frustration over malfunctioning alert sirens and the onslaught of drones. "We heard nothing. No alerts were sounded, how can this happen?" one local vented online.
The drone strikes followed high-level discussions related to international relations, including meetings involving the General Secretary of the Organization for Security and Cooperation, Feridun Sinirlioglu. His visit to Moscow heightened tensions, with some officials, including spokesperson Maria Zakharova, linking the drone attack to his presence, remarking on its timing as significant.
Domestic responses to the drone attack varied, with statements from Ukrainian officials indicating such strikes may signify additional layers of conflict preceding peace negotiations. Andriy Koval, head of Ukraine's Center for Counteracting Disinformation warned, "These drone strikes are another signal for President Putin on the necessity to cease air hostilities."
The day of destruction was compounded by retaliation from Russian forces, reportedly involving ballistic missiles targeting Ukraine as tensions reached new highs. Drones flying back over Ukraine were also reported to have been intercepted, intensifying the perception of instability.
Despite the immediate devastation, investigation efforts are already underway to ascertain the full extent of damages and determine the aftermath of such unprecedented events. With diplomatic efforts seeming increasingly distant, both sides brace for potential fallout.
This series of events marks not just an escalation of the conflict but also raises questions about national security protocols and the capability of Russian air defenses. Observers will be watching the aftermath closely as both civilians and authorities navigate the unprecedented aftermath of such attacks.