Kathmandu— Ukrainian forces conducted one of their largest drone attacks on Russian territory since the start of the conflict over four years ago, launching approximately 800 drones toward various regions including Moscow and annexed Crimea, officials reported Tuesday. Simultaneously, a Russian missile strike on the village of Pechenihy in northeastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv region resulted in at least ten deaths and seventeen injuries, destroying homes and infrastructure. The escalating exchange of long-range aerial attacks is occurring as fighting along the 780-mile front line remains largely stalled due to the proliferation of drones and robotic systems hindering troop movements.

Escalating Drone Warfare

Russia’s Defense Ministry stated its air defenses intercepted 791 Ukrainian drones overnight, marking the second-largest drone attack since January 2025. Over 600 drones targeted the Moscow region alone, with 180 reportedly shot down according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. While officials reported no fatalities or significant damage in Moscow, three people were wounded in the surrounding region and another three in the adjacent Ryazan region where private homes sustained damage.

Targeting of Russian Infrastructure

The drone barrage ignited a fire at a Wildberries warehouse – Russia’s largest online retailer – located in an industrial zone. Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Wildberries, alleging it supplies the Russian military, claims Moscow denies. The company reported only ‘insignificant damage.’ Coverage of the attacks within Russia was notably muted on state-controlled television channels, though news agency RIA Novosti and newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta did report on the events.

Russian Strikes Claim Civilian Lives

A Russian missile strike on Pechenihy in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region killed ten civilians and wounded seventeen others, according to Oleh Syniehubov, head of the regional military administration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as “brutal,” noting damage to homes, a cafe, a post office, a store, and multiple vehicles. Three additional deaths and three injuries were reported in Ukraine’s Sumy region due to Russian attacks over the past day.

The conflict continues with both sides demonstrating increased capabilities for long-range strikes, while diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire remain stalled as Russia shows no indication of altering its course.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.