**Russia Faces Escalating Drone Strikes from Ukraine**
Russia is facing a growing wave of drone attacks from Ukraine, with reported civilian injuries and significant disruptions to daily life. The strikes have been ongoing for two days, targeting military and defense industry facilities in Moscow and neighboring regions.
On the second day of the attacks, Tula Oblast Governor Dmitry Milyaev confirmed that his region was under a “air threat regime” for over 35 hours, with repeated drone strikes beginning on May 20. According to Milyaev, the region has experienced its eleventh wave of UAV attacks, with Russian air defenses intercepting 19 drones so far.
In Tula Oblast, there have been reports of drones crashing into buildings and causing injuries to civilians. On May 22, a drone allegedly crashed into an apartment building in the Proletarsky district, reportedly injuring two people.
The attacks also caused chaos at airports, with Domodedovo Airport halting flights for the fourth time in one day. Other airports in Moscow and surrounding regions have also imposed temporary flight bans due to the drone strikes.
In addition to the drone attacks, internet access has been restricted in several Russian oblasts, including Ivanovo, which became the fifth region to shut down mobile internet on May 22. This move is believed to be aimed at disrupting drone control links.
**Key Targets and Implications**
The Ukrainian drone campaign appears to be targeting key strategic targets, such as ammunition depots, command centers, military factories, oil processing and storage facilities. Moscow and neighboring Tula oblasts have a high concentration of military and defense industry facilities, making them vulnerable to attack.
The reported strike on the NPO Bazalt plant in Moscow Oblast’s Krasnoarmeysk is particularly significant, as it is a key manufacturer of ammunition and weapons. While this claim has not been independently verified, it highlights the scope of Ukraine’s air campaign against Russian strategic targets.
**Russian Response**
Russia claims to have downed nearly 500 drones over the past two days, with around 63 intercepted over Moscow Oblast alone. However, these numbers are difficult to verify and may be exaggerated to boost morale and demonstrate a sense of control.
In response to the drone attacks, Russia has imposed restrictions on internet access in several regions and suspended flights at multiple airports. While this is likely aimed at disrupting drone control links, it remains unclear whether it will have any significant impact on Ukraine’s air campaign.
**Commentary**
The escalating drone strikes by Ukraine mark a significant escalation of its air campaign against Russian strategic targets. The attacks demonstrate Ukraine’s willingness to push the boundaries and disrupt daily life in Russia, even if it means risking civilian casualties.
As the conflict continues to escalate, it remains unclear how effective these drone strikes will be in disrupting Russia’s military capabilities or undermining public confidence. However, one thing is certain: the war of attrition between Ukraine and Russia has entered a new phase, with both sides determined to push their advantage and outmaneuver each other.
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