Skies of Discord: Drone Downfall South of Moscow Deepens Ukraine-Russia Divide

On June 11, 2023, two drones crashed in Russia’s Kaluga region, which is bordering Moscow. This is not the first time that drones have been used in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. On May 30, 2023, drones hit several buildings in Moscow, causing minor damage and no serious injuries, with air defense systems also destroying several more approaching the capital. On March 26, 2023, Russian air defenses halted a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian town, Kireyevsk, in Tula region, 220 km (140 miles) south of Moscow, in which three people were hurt and apartment blocks were damaged. On May 31, 2023, Ukrainian drones struck wealthy districts of Moscow, which Russia said was the most dangerous attack on the capital.

On February 28, 2023, a drone crashed in the Moscow region, which was likely an attempt to target civilian infrastructure, according to the regional governor. On March 26, 2023, a Ukrainian drone was shot down by Russian air defenses in the town of Kireyevsk, some 400 km (249 miles) from the Ukraine border, causing a large crater in the heart of the town.