Russia accuses Ukraine of major drone attack as violence escalates

Firefighters work on a site following a missile attack in a village outside Kyiv on August 30, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photo/AFP

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated further as Russia accused Ukraine of launching a significant drone attack on Russian soil. This incident marks the largest reported drone assault since Moscow's invasion 18 months ago. In retaliation, Russia carried out an attack on Kyiv, resulting in casualties.

Reports suggest that drones struck an airport in Russia's Pskov region near the border with Estonia and Latvia, causing a massive fire. Several drones were intercepted and shot down over various regions in Russia, including Oryol, Bryansk, Ryazan, Kaluga, and the Moscow area.

Pskov's regional governor, Mikhail Vedernikov, ordered the cancellation of all flights to and from the airport to assess the extent of the damage during daylight hours. The attack on the airport damaged four Il-76 transport aircraft, according to Russia's state news agency Tass.

Images shared on social media depicted smoke engulfing Pskov and a significant blaze. Governor Vedernikov stated that there were no casualties, and the fire has been brought under control. Unverified reports suggested that between 10 and 20 drones might have been involved in the airport attack.

Meanwhile, in Kyiv, two individuals lost their lives and another was injured as Russia launched what Ukrainian officials described as a "massive combined attack." This assault involved drones and missiles, with over 20 targets reportedly downed by Ukraine's air defenses. Falling debris from the attack struck a commercial building in Kyiv's Shevchenkivskyi district.

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Reports also emerged of explosions in other parts of Ukraine, including the southern city of Odesa and the Cherkasy region. Ukrainian air defenses claimed to have intercepted and destroyed a significant number of cruise missiles and Iranian-made Shahed attack drones targeting Kyiv and multiple regions across the country.

The aftermath of the attack showed damage primarily in Russia's Pskov region. In other affected regions, such as Kaluga and Bryansk, drones were intercepted, causing minimal damage and brief disruptions. Residential windows were shattered in some areas.

As a response to the attacks, major airports near Moscow temporarily suspended incoming and outgoing flights, a precautionary measure becoming more frequent after drone-related incidents.

Russian officials in Crimea reported repelling a drone attack targeting the harbor of Sevastopol. Details remained unclear regarding the extent of damage caused or the number of drones destroyed.

Drone attacks in the region have grown more frequent, with both Russia and bordering regions being targeted. Fuel depots and airfields have been struck in incidents attributed to Kyiv by Russian authorities.

The events have prompted discussions on the heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, raising concerns about further escalation. (With inputs from AP)