A chilling warning reverberated through Russia as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the “war” is making its way back to Russian soil. This bold proclamation emerged following a Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s heartland, Moscow, leaving two office blocks damaged and one individual injured.

According to Zelensky, the continuation of the “Special Military Operation” beyond its predicted few weeks and onto its 522nd day, is leading the war inevitably back to Russia’s symbolic centres and military bases. As he toured the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk, the President affirmed Ukraine’s growing strength while forecasting a grim resurgence of attacks on Ukraine’s energy system in the imminent colder months.

In the previous winter, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure endured severe damage from Russian missile and drone strikes, causing a blackout and bitter cold across cities. The Ukrainian government labelled these attacks as war crimes, suggesting they were an intentional strategy to inflict harm on civilians. Nevertheless, Russia maintained its stance that these were strategic moves to stifle Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.

Zelensky’s address to high-ranking government, security, and regional officials contained words of caution and determination, stating that the country must be prepared for any possibility of renewed assault on the energy industry. While the government and security officials are doing everything possible to shield the energy system from physical harm, sabotage or cyberattacks, Zelensky also emphasized that cities and towns across Ukraine must gear up for handling energy sector emergencies.

The Russian defence ministry earlier revealed that three Ukrainian drones were neutralized over Moscow in what they described as Kyiv’s “attempted terrorist attack”. One of these drones was shot down, while two others crashed into a building complex following an electronic warfare intervention. Despite the attack causing minor damage to two city office towers and a brief shutdown of an international airport, Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported no casualties on the ground.

  Ivano-Frankivsk, Kremlin, Kyiv, Moscow, Russia, Sergei Sobyanin, Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky