Russia, Ukraine Escalate Long Range Strikes as Zelensky Says Moscow Faces War Consequences

Russia and Ukraine intensified their long range attacks overnight, with Ukrainian drone strikes targeting the Moscow region and Russian missile and drone barrages killing at least 12 people and injuring around 40 across Ukraine. As the conflict entered another deadly phase, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow was beginning to face the consequences of its prolonged invasion, while condemning what he described as Russia's "horrific attacks" on civilians.

Ukraine launched one of its latest waves of long range drone attacks targeting Russia, prompting temporary flight restrictions at airports serving Moscow and forcing Russian air defence systems into action. Russian authorities said multiple drones were intercepted over the Moscow region and several other areas, though officials reported limited damage. The attacks underscored Ukraine's growing ability to strike deep inside Russian territory.

Meanwhile, Russia carried out another large scale overnight assault on Ukraine using missiles and attack drones. Ukrainian officials said at least 12 people were killed and around 40 others were wounded in strikes that hit residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in several regions. Emergency crews continued rescue operations as authorities searched damaged buildings for survivors.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the bombardment as "horrific attacks" deliberately targeting civilians and critical infrastructure. He renewed calls for Ukraine's Western allies to strengthen air defence capabilities and increase military assistance to help protect cities from continued Russian missile and drone strikes.

Commenting on Ukraine's expanding long range operations, Zelenskyy said Russia was beginning to experience the consequences of the war it had launched more than four years ago. He argued that bringing the conflict onto Russian territory was a response to Moscow's sustained campaign against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

The latest exchange of long range strikes comes despite repeated international efforts to revive peace negotiations. Fighting has continued along multiple sections of the front line, while both sides have increasingly relied on drones and long range precision weapons, highlighting the evolving nature of the war with no immediate breakthrough in diplomacy.