(MOSCOW) – The Russian capital experienced significant disruption on Monday as Ukrainian forces launched what is described as the most extensive drone offensive since the full-scale invasion began four years ago. Russian aviation authorities were forced to temporarily suspend operations at Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky airports following waves of aerial strikes. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin stated that air defences intercepted approximately 60 drones targeting the capital, though the Russian Defence Ministry later claimed a total of 280 Ukrainian drones were neutralised across the country during a ten-hour period.
The escalation follows a massive Russian bombardment of Ukraine over the weekend, which involved nearly 500 munitions, including Zirkon and Iskander ballistic missiles, and Kalibr cruise missiles launched from naval assets in the Black Sea. While Ukrainian air defences intercepted a majority of the cruise missiles, several ballistic variants struck critical infrastructure, resulting in casualties in Kyiv and surrounding areas.
In retaliatory strikes, Ukrainian drones targeted several strategic energy sites within Russia. The Afipsky refinery in the Krasnodar Krai region was struck, with thermal signatures detected by NASA’s space-based FIRMS monitoring system. Additionally, the Tigris oil pumping station and a fuel depot in Labinsk, both located in Krasnodar, were targeted. Ukrainian military analysts noted that Krasnodar serves as a vital logistics hub for the Russian military, particularly for sustaining operations in occupied Crimea.
On the diplomatic front, geopolitical tensions have intensified. In an interview with NBC News, Donald Trump suggested that the Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin, may be supporting Iran’s military efforts. Donald Trump justified the temporary easing of oil sanctions on Russia by stating his desire for global oil availability, though he noted that sanctions would return following the crisis. This policy has faced domestic and international scepticism, as global energy prices saw historic rises, with Western oil majors gaining over £102 billion ($130 billion) in market value over a fortnight.
European allies remain divided over the conflict’s direction. In Berlin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asserted that the situation is “not NATO’s war,” resisting American pressure to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz. Conversely, France has committed to providing Ukraine with the latest “Next Generation” SAMP/T air defence system this year.
Domestically, the Kremlin is reportedly tightening control over military communications. Reports from Russian military bloggers indicate that military police have begun inspecting the mobile phones of service personnel to ensure the deletion of the Telegram messaging app. The state is attempting to mandate the use of a government-sanctioned app, MAX, despite complaints from special forces units regarding its lack of functionality.
In the cultural sphere, the documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin, which examines the state-mandated indoctrination of Russian schoolchildren, received the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. The film highlights the dissemination of misinformation within the Russian education system, including claims that European nations lack agricultural production. Concurrently, Ukraine concluded the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in seventh place, securing 19 medals despite what officials termed “disgraceful” pressure from international organisers regarding the expression of Ukrainian national identity.
