Last night, drones attacked Russia’s capital. Moscow’s mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, reported the destruction of 15 drones in the city's airspace. Numerous Russian media channels and residents shared videos of explosions, confirming Moscow’s air defense vulnerabilities and the reality that there are no completely safe cities in Russia.
Commentator Vitaly Portnikov highlights that even in Moscow, people cannot feel secure while the war against Ukraine continues. He points to two major "Achilles’ heels" for Russia: the oil industry and capital stability. Recently, Ukrainian special services have effectively targeted Russian oil refineries, impacting the national budget and creating risks for broader economic and social stability.
Portnikov notes that Russian authorities have always prioritized the stability of the capital, viewing instability in Moscow as an indicator of potential regime crisis. Incidents elsewhere are usually ignored, but trouble in the capital threatens the regime itself, as historic events have shown.
The ability of drones to reach Moscow creates a sense of insecurity for both leaders and the population. These attacks are signals of vulnerability for Putin’s system, raising public concern and pressuring the regime toward peace. The overnight drone attack has thus intensified discussions about the fragility of the Russian leadership and the country’s future.