Ukraine unleashes largest drone attack as Russia pulls air defenses to Moscow

Political and military observer Oleksandr Kovalenko discussed the issue on his Telegram channel.

He noted that several Russian so-called Z-military bloggers, in a state of panic, hysterically claimed that 447 attack drones were used.

In reality, the number was significantly lower—though the exact figure was not disclosed. Nevertheless, it was a record-breaking strike, highlighting the irony of Putin’s plan to “demilitarize” Ukraine. Previously, Ukraine had never conducted drone strikes on Russian territory and had no such plans, but now these attacks are becoming routine.

This marks a systematic campaign targeting Russian military facilities and defense industry sites, particularly at a time when these regions are left exposed without adequate air defense. Russia has redeployed a large number of air defense systems to Moscow and the surrounding area to protect the May 9 Victory Day parade, creating maximum layered coverage there. As a result, other regions—already poorly defended—are now virtually unprotected.

Kovalenko points out that, for the sake of Putin’s security and public image, large parts of southwest, west, and northwest Russia have been left exposed. The central and far eastern regions have long been underprotected.

Ukraine is taking advantage of this vulnerability by launching coordinated, systematic strikes on key military targets. In pursuit of a grand display for the May 9 parade, the Russian leadership has left strategic enterprises, arsenals, airfields, and other critical sites wide open—creating a “hit at will” situation that allows Ukraine to strike as long as the parade preparations remain undisturbed.

• On the night of May 7, Russia reported a UAV attack. Drones attacked enterprises in Saransk and Tula – they operate to supply the army. Two military airfields were also under attack.