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Russia claims it intercepted two drones over Moscow Oblast

by Dinara Khalilova and The Kyiv Independent news desk August 21, 2023 10:07 AM 2 min read
Russian first responders are working on the site of the drone debris falling near Istra, Moscow Oblast, on Aug. 21, 2023. (Governor Andrey Vorobyov/Telegram)
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The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that two Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Moscow Oblast on the morning of Aug. 21.

Kyiv hasn't commented on the allegation.

One drone was neutralized by electronic warfare and fell near Pokrovskoe in the Ruza district, around 80 kilometers from Moscow, according to the ministry.

Another was reportedly shot down over the northwestern Istra district, closer to the city.

According to Moscow Oblast Governor Andrey Vorobyov, drone debris fell on a dacha (country house) near the town of Istra, injuring two people.

“Windows were also shattered in three houses. All emergency services are on site,” Vorobyov said on Telegram.

The Kyiv Independent is unable to verify any of those claims.

Ukraine’s security chief: Attacks on Russian ships, Crimean bridge ‘logical and legal’
The Security Service of Ukraine chief Vasyl Maliuk effectively admitted that Ukraine was behind the attacks, saying they were taking place in the territorial waters of Ukraine and are “completely legal.”

Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency said, as cited by BBC Russia, that flight restrictions were introduced at all four Moscow airports — Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky.

Due to the attacks, 47 flights were redirected to alternate airfields, according to the Agency. As of 9 a.m. Moscow time, all airports have reportedly returned to regular operation.

Drone attacks against Moscow have intensified over recent weeks. Two drone strikes on the same target, the high-rise "Moscow City" building where several Russian ministries are housed, caused damage on July 30 and Aug. 1.

Russia usually blames the Ukrainian military for strikes on Russian soil, while Ukraine rarely claims direct responsibility.

In a video message on July 30, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that it's natural and fair that the war is returning to Russian territory.

From Moscow to Novorossiysk: The list of attacks on Russian soil
On the morning of Aug. 4, the residents of the Russian city of Novorossiysk woke to a 112-meter-long Navy ship being towed back to port after it was hit by a drone attack on the Black Sea overnight. While the Russian Defense Ministry claimed there were no casualties or damage,

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