Russian Iskander missile strikes Merefa, Kyiv region; Kyiv retaliates with drone attack on Moscow
The attack on the town of Merefa occurred five days before Russia's Victory Day parade, which is proceeding without military hardware due to heightened threat levels
A Russian missile attack on the town of Merefa in Ukraine's Kharkiv region has resulted in the deaths of five people and injured at least 18 others. Local officials report that the strike targeted civilian infrastructure, damaging at least 10 houses and four shops in an area described as being significantly distant from active front lines.
Regional prosecutors have assessed that the assault was conducted using an Iskander-type ballistic missile. The confirmed casualties include two men and three women, with four of the wounded reported to be in serious condition requiring hospitalisation. Governor Oleh Syniehubov stated on Telegram that the occupiers attacked civilian infrastructure during the day, noting the town's distance from the front.
In a retaliatory action overnight, Ukraine launched a drone strike on a residential high-rise in Moscow's Mosfilmovskaya Street district. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that while damage to the building was confirmed, there were no casualties. Russian state broadcaster Rossiya-1 published footage showing collapsed walls and broken doors inside the damaged apartment complex.
Two other drones also targeted the Russian capital overnight but were repelled by air defence systems, according to Mayor Sobyanin. These rare strikes on Moscow occur five days before Russia's annual Victory Day parade, which is being held without military hardware due to heightened threat levels. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that authorities fear drones may buzz over Red Square.
This escalation follows recent intensification of Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, ports, and depots, though drones infrequently reach the capital due to heavy air defences. Moscow has historically denied intentionally targeting civilians since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, despite the nature of this specific attack on Merefa.
The Kharkiv region has been a frequent target of Russian missile attacks throughout the conflict. While emergency services continue to assess the scene, the exact number of casualties may change as further verification of the damage to the residential and commercial properties is conducted.
