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Ukraine fires 400 drones toward Moscow as Zelenskyy grapples with protests

Ukraine fired more than 400 drones toward Moscow in its latest major attack on the Russian capital, the city's mayor said Monday. The blitz came hours after Russia bombarded Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with ballistic missiles in a relentless cycle of tit-for-tat strikes.

By Abby Sewell in Beirut contributed·Jul 21·japantoday.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

Ukraine fired 400 drones toward Moscow, while Russia bombarded Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with ballistic missiles, escalating the conflict.

Why it matters

The escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia has significant implications for global security and the stability of the region.

Imagine a big game of cat and mouse between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine is trying to send a lot of small planes, called drones, to attack Russia's capital city, Moscow. But Russia is trying to stop them with its own air defenses. This is a big deal because it could affect the whole world.

Analysis

A Desperate Bid for Air Supremacy

Ukraine's latest drone attack on Moscow marks a desperate bid for air supremacy in the ongoing conflict with Russia. With over 400 drones sent toward the Russian capital, Kyiv's forces aim to exploit the weaknesses in Russia's air defenses. The attack comes hours after Russia bombarded Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with ballistic missiles, further escalating the conflict.

The Evolution of Ukraine's Drone Technology

Ukraine's long-range drone technology has evolved significantly during the war, posing a problem for Russia. The country's forces have aimed especially at Russian oil facilities, causing fuel shortages and embarrassing Russian President Vladimir Putin. In May, the Russian Defense Ministry said air defenses downed 1,054 Ukrainian drones in a 24-hour period.

The Human Cost of the Conflict

The conflict has taken a devastating toll on civilians, with at least six people killed and dozens wounded in the latest Russian bombardment. The Institute for the Study of War noted that Russia has stepped up its use of ballistic missiles recently, which fly faster than the speed of sound and can reach Kyiv in minutes, giving air defenses little time to react and civilians to reach shelter.

Key points

  • Ukraine fired more than 400 drones toward Moscow in its latest major attack on the Russian capital.
  • Russia bombarded Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with ballistic missiles in a relentless cycle of tit-for-tat strikes.
  • The conflict has taken a devastating toll on civilians, with at least six people killed and dozens wounded in the latest Russian bombardment.
  • Ukraine's long-range drone technology has evolved significantly during the war, posing a problem for Russia.
The Upside

If Ukraine's drone technology continues to evolve and improve, it could give them an upper hand in the conflict. Additionally, if the international community can provide Ukraine with more sophisticated interceptors, it could help counter Russia's ballistic missiles.

The Downside

The conflict could escalate further, leading to more civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Additionally, if Russia's air defenses improve, it could make it harder for Ukraine to launch successful drone attacks.

Originally reported at

japantoday.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsukrainerussiaconflictdronesballistic missileskyivmoscow

Author

Abby Sewell in Beirut contributed

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Jul 21, 2026

Source

japantoday.com

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Topics

ukrainerussiaconflictdronesballistic missileskyivmoscow

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