A significant drone offensive launched by Ukraine targeted Zelenograd, often referred to as Russia’s “Silicon Valley,” alongside a machine-building facility situated north of Moscow, as reported by Russian media outlets and Ukrainian officials on Wednesday.
In reaction to the attacks, Russian civil aviation authorities temporarily halted flights to and from Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky airports. The Defense Ministry stated that nearly 300 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight in 12 different regions, including Moscow itself.
Moscow’s Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, confirmed that Moscow’s air defense systems shot down at least 33 drones approaching the city during the night. Additionally, authorities in the surrounding Moscow region reported that at least 42 drones were also neutralized, though they noted that three residential buildings sustained damage.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, indicated that the attacks targeted sites such as the Dubna Machine-Building Plant and the ELMA Technopark in Zelenograd, a center known for electronics development just northwest of Moscow.
Kovalenko mentioned, “There seem to have been some successful strikes.” He emphasized that ELMA plays a crucial role in replacing critical components that were previously imported from Western countries.
The Moscow Times has not been able to independently confirm Kovalenko’s assertions about the reported “successful strikes.”
The Telegram news channel Astra shared videos that appeared to depict drones flying over and detonating near the ELMA facility in Zelenograd, which serves as a center for IT, microelectronics, robotics, and medical tech development.
Russian officials stated that there were “no significant damages or injuries as a result of the enemy drones being thwarted in Zelenograd,” and noted that emergency services responded promptly to the incidents.
Dubna, another technological and scientific center known for nuclear research, is positioned about 100 kilometers (approximately 62 miles) north of Moscow. The Dubna Machine-Building Plant’s website highlights its work in developing electronics, software, and lasers, among other technologies.
On the Ukrainian side, at least 15 individuals were reported injured due to overnight attacks by Russia, according to Ukrainian state media early Wednesday.
In spite of renewing direct talks earlier this month, both Russia and Ukraine have intensified airstrikes in the past fortnight. On Monday, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have destroyed 2,331 Ukrainian drones within a week, while accusing Kyiv of attempting to obstruct peace negotiations.
