Russian officials have reported that Ukraine carried out drone attacks in the early hours of September 1, targeting several regions of the country, including refineries and energy infrastructure in the Moscow and Tver regions.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, as reported by the state news agency TASS, 158 drones were destroyed by air defense systems. The ministry stated on Telegram that the largest number of drones—122 in total—were downed over the Kursk, Bryansk, Voronezh, and Belgorod regions, which are on the border with Ukraine.
These Russian claims have not been independently verified, and Ukraine has not commented on the matter.
This barrage of drone attacks comes just days after Ukrainian energy infrastructure was targeted by over 200 Russian drones and missiles in one of the largest attacks of this kind.
It also follows a month since Ukraine launched its offensive in the Russian Kursk region, even though Russian forces are reported to be making advances in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region.
Kyiv is calling on Washington to lift restrictions so it can use weapons received from allies to strike deep within Russian territory. Kyiv argues that such attacks would hinder Moscow’s ability to conduct attacks against Ukraine.
Earlier on September 1, there were reports of powerful explosions at the Konakovo power station in the Tver region. This station is one of the largest energy producers in the region, according to the Baza Telegram channel, which is linked to Russian security services.
Five drones were destroyed over the Tver region, said regional governor Igor Rudenya, who did not mention any damage from the incident.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that a drone launched by Ukraine was destroyed near the Moscow oil refinery. He said there were no reports of damage to the refinery.
This refinery is owned by Gazprom Neft, a part of the Russian gas giant Gazprom.
According to Kashira city head Mikhail Shuvalov, Ukraine also attempted to attack the Kashira power plant with drones.
At least several drones were destroyed in Moscow and the surrounding region, said the head of the Russian capital.
Around 26 drones launched by Ukraine were destroyed in the border region of Bryansk, reported regional governor Aleksandr Bogomaz. Additionally, more than ten drones were destroyed over the Voronezh region and several others over Kursk, Lipetsk, Ryazan, and Tula, according to the governors of these Russian regions.
Russian officials have not reported any casualties or damage from these attacks, which they claim were carried out by Ukraine.