On the morning of March 11, 2025, the Moscow region was jolted by one of the most substantial drone attacks since the onset of military tensions with Ukraine. Reports indicate the involvement of over 70 drones, leading to significant casualties and widespread destruction across multiple urban districts.
The attacks commenced around 4:00 AM local time, primarily targeting the Domodedovo and Ramensky urban areas. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, preliminary assessments confirmed the destruction of several drones by air defense systems, which managed to intercept over 70 UAVs flying toward the Russian capital. "The massive drone attack began at 4 AM on March 11, marking one of the largest assaults since the start of the conflict," said Sobyanin. This coordinated offensive led to panic among residents who were caught off-guard during the night.
The ramifications of the drone assaults unfolded quickly. At least one person died immediately after being struck by drone fragments, and reports indicate three additional individuals, including families, sustained injuries from debris falling onto residential buildings. Governor Andrei Vorobyov reported, "One person has died and three were injured due to fragments falling from the drones," adding the casualties emerged from events primarily centered around Vidnoe and Domodedovo.
Witnesses recounted harrowing experiences as the attacks unfolded, with many residents capturing and sharing alarming footage on social media. "Residents have posted alarming images of the attacks on social media," noted local news outlets, showcasing the extent of the chaos and destruction.
The drone strikes caused substantial damage to several buildings, with debris reported to have struck at least seven apartments high up on the Severny Shosse on the outskirts of Ramenskoye. Fire blazed from the impact sites, raising severe concerns about emergency response capabilities. Reports indicated at least 12 individuals were evacuated from the affected high-rises, which included three children. Some evacuees were assisted by local authorities who facilitated their relocation to nearby shelters and offered immediate medical attention on-site.
Sobyanin was quick to commend the quick response of air defense forces, stating, "The air defense forces managed to destroy over 70 UAVs flying toward the capital." His remarks highlighted the effectiveness and urgency of their operations as blasts were reported across multiple districts including Serpukhov, Kashira, and Kolomna.
While major damage occurred, preliminary reports from the authorities stated there were no deaths among the majority of those injured. Vorobyov reiterated this point, commenting, "The highest number of injured and the most serious damages were reported across three municipalities." The response teams ensured civilians experiencing stress from the incident received the necessary psychological support amid the physical damage.
Even as the immediate fallout from the strikes began to settle, public transport systems faced major disruptions due to the attacks. Train operations from the Domodedovo railway station were halted, affecting the commute of thousands. Authorities indicated potential long-term disruptions may continue as investigations and safety measures are enforced due to the damage inflicted.
The drone assault also saw significant responses from local firefighting services. A notable fire erupted at the Miratorg company's parking lot due to the UAV strikes, necessitating immediate firefighting efforts on-site. Governor Vorobyov confirmed, "Authorities reported parking facilities caught fire due to the drone attack," indicating the urgent need for coordinated response strategies.
With multiple regions including Ryazan and Kursk also reporting drone threats during this same timeline, the scale of the conflict left many on high alert within country borders. Eyewitness reports from Ryazan noted between ten to 17 explosions and described the eerie warnings of imminent drone flights before explosions occurred.
Investigations are reportedly underway following the dramatic events of the early morning, with the Russian Investigative Committee announcing the initiation of criminal proceedings related to reported terrorist acts resulting from the attacks. The tragic loss of life and injurious outcomes raise pressing questions about the broader military strategies at play and the targeting of civilian areas by drones.
At the end of this intense day, the airspace is expected to undergo tighter regulations as officials recalibrate security protocols across airports including Zhukovsky and Domodedovo, which temporarily suspended operations amid fears of more drone threats.
This mass drone assault is considered the largest on Moscow since conflict levels escalated between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced defense strategies and reassessments of urban security protections.