Ukraine launched 400 drones at Moscow in one of its largest aerial attacks on the Russian capital since the war began. The barrage came as Russia stepped up missile strikes on Kyiv, hitting residential areas and critical infrastructure in the Ukrainian capital.
Massive drone wave targets Moscow
The overnight attack sent hundreds of drones toward Moscow and surrounding regions, according to reports from both sides. Russian air defense systems were activated, and authorities in the Moscow region reported debris falling in several districts. No immediate casualty figures were released, but the scale of the operation marked a significant escalation in Ukraine's ability to strike deep inside Russian territory.
Ukrainian officials have not commented directly on the attack, but the drone wave follows a pattern of Kyiv using long-range unmanned systems to hit military and energy targets inside Russia. The goal, according to past statements from Ukrainian commanders, is to disrupt Russian logistics and force Moscow to divert resources away from the front lines.
Russia retaliates with heavier strikes on Kyiv
In response, Russia launched a fresh wave of missile attacks on Kyiv, using cruise and ballistic missiles. Air raid sirens wailed across the capital for hours as Ukrainian air defenses intercepted many of the incoming projectiles. Debris from downed missiles fell in several neighborhoods, causing fires and damaging buildings. At least three people were reported injured, and emergency crews worked through the night to clear rubble.
The strikes on Kyiv appeared to target energy infrastructure, with power outages reported in parts of the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, calling them a deliberate attempt to terrorize civilians. He reiterated Ukraine's need for more advanced air defense systems from Western allies.
Prediction market sees low chance of Crimea recapture by 2026
A prediction market now shows an 8.5% probability that Ukraine will recapture Crimea by December 31, 2026. The figure reflects cautious betting among traders, who see the peninsula as a heavily fortified prize that Russia has held since 2014. While Ukraine has made gains in the south and east, retaking Crimea would require a major military breakthrough and likely a shift in Western support.
The low odds align with assessments from some military analysts who argue that Ukraine lacks the naval and air power needed to dislodge Russian forces from the peninsula. However, the prediction market is not a formal forecast; it aggregates bets from users and can shift quickly with new developments on the battlefield or in diplomacy.
For now, the focus remains on the immediate exchanges: drones over Moscow and missiles over Kyiv. Both sides show no sign of backing down, and the war continues to grind through its third year with no end in sight.
