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Moscow Thwarts Massive Drone Assault as Putin Makes Surprise Visit to Chechnya

Wednesday 21 August 2024 - 11:00

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow faced its largest Ukrainian drone attack since hostilities began in 2022. Russian authorities reported a successful defense against this unprecedented aerial onslaught, claiming to have neutralized all incoming threats.

According to Russia's Ministry of Defense, a total of 45 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed during the overnight operation. The aerial defenses were particularly active over the Moscow region, where 11 drones were reportedly neutralized. The Bryansk region saw the highest number of interceptions, with 23 drones brought down. Belgorod, Kaluga, and Kursk also experienced drone incursions.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, in a statement on his Telegram channel, described the incident as "one of the biggest attempts of all time to attack Moscow using drones." He attributed the successful defense to the robust protective measures around the capital, highlighting the city's preparedness against such threats.

This large-scale drone assault coincides with heightened tensions, as Ukrainian forces continue their incursion into Russian territory. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, reported in its latest analysis that Ukrainian troops have made additional advances in their offensive, which has now entered its third week. The think tank noted that Ukrainian forces appear to be targeting Russian pontoon bridges and engineering equipment over the Seym River, west of the Kursk oblast.

In a surprising development, Russian President Vladimir Putin made an unannounced visit to Chechnya, marking his first trip to the North Caucasus republic in 13 years. The Kremlin reported that Putin, accompanied by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, inspected Chechen troops and volunteers preparing for deployment to Ukraine.

During his visit to the Russian Special Forces University in Gudermes, Putin addressed the troops, stating, "As long as we have men like you, we are absolutely, absolutely invincible." He emphasized the difference between training exercises and actual combat, acknowledging the risks involved in defending the homeland.

The timing of Putin's visit is notable, coming as Moscow deals with the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region. This foreign presence on Russian soil has embarrassed Putin and the Russian military, challenging their narrative of control and superiority.

The Ukrainian advance into Russian territory has undoubtedly boosted morale in Ukraine and altered the dynamics of the conflict. However, this progress coincides with Ukraine's ongoing territorial losses in the eastern Donbas region, highlighting the complex and fluid nature of the war.

As the conflict continues to evolve, the international community watches closely. The recent drone attack on Moscow and the Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory mark a new phase in the war, potentially escalating tensions and complicating diplomatic efforts for resolution.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this conflict. Will Ukraine's bold moves into Russian territory prove to be a turning point, or will they provoke a more severe response from Moscow? As both sides continue to adapt their strategies, the world remains on edge, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this protracted and devastating war.