Ukraine Intensifies Drone Attacks on Moscow in Early 2026, Marking Escalation in War Strategy

Ukraine has carried out daily drone attacks targeting Moscow since the start of 2026, according to figures released by Russia’s Defence Ministry, signaling a notable escalation from the earlier pattern of more sporadic strikes on the Russian capital. The data suggests a shift toward sustained pressure rather than symbolic or occasional attacks, reflecting a potential change in Ukraine’s long-range drone strategy amid the ongoing war.

By midnight on Sunday alone, Russian air defence systems reportedly intercepted and destroyed 57 drones over the Moscow region, part of a total of 437 Ukrainian drones downed across Russian territory that day. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has repeatedly confirmed interceptions since New Year’s Eve, though without providing detailed information on damage or specific targets.

Russia’s Defence Ministry typically reports only the number of drones it claims to have shot down, not how many were launched, and rarely discloses the full impact unless civilian casualties or infrastructure damage occur. There has been no immediate official response from Ukraine regarding the latest attacks, but Kyiv has increasingly relied on long-range drones to strike deep inside Russia.

Ukrainian officials have previously stated that such drone strikes are intended to disrupt Russian military logistics and energy infrastructure, increase the economic cost of the war for Moscow, and respond to continued Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. The war, launched by Russia nearly four years ago, has increasingly expanded beyond front-line areas.

The near-daily drone activity has also caused widespread disruption to air travel. Russia’s aviation watchdog, Rosaviatsiya, said temporary closures were imposed at Moscow airports and dozens of other airports across the country for safety reasons. These disruptions come during Russia’s extended New Year and Orthodox Christmas holiday period, which runs through January 9 and is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.

According to calculations by state news agency RIA, Russian air defences intercepted at least 1,548 Ukrainian drones over Russia and the Crimean Peninsula in the past week alone, underscoring the scale and intensity of the current phase of drone warfare.