Russia's Ministry of Defense announced that from 9 p.m. on 6/5 until 7 a.m. today, air defense forces intercepted 347 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Ukraine in over 20 regions. These areas included Moscow province, as well as the Azov, Caspian, and Black Seas. The ministry did not specify the total number of enemy aircraft deployed in the attack.
During the night, several explosions were heard in various Russian regions, including Moscow, Bryansk, Tver, Rostov, Samara, and Tula provinces. It remains unclear whether these explosions were caused by activated air defense missiles or UAVs striking their targets.
Open-source intelligence accounts in Ukraine indicated that UAVs targeted the Nara production and logistics complex in Naro-Fominsk town, located approximately 70 km southwest of the capital, Moscow. This facility, spanning 2 km2, operates under Russia's Ministry of Defense and serves as a crucial hub for storing and distributing military supplies.
Smoke rises at the alleged Nara facility in a video posted on 7/5. *Video: X/Exilenova_plus*
Videos shared on social media platforms showed plumes of smoke rising near the Nara logistics center following the attack, corroborating reports of a strike on the facility.
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin confirmed that 11 UAVs were shot down while approaching the city. However, he did not provide any information regarding an attack on the Nara logistics facility.
The large-scale Ukrainian offensive caused significant damage in several areas. In Bryansk province, Ukrainian UAVs struck two apartment buildings, damaging more than 20 apartments. Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz reported that 13 people, including one child, were injured in these incidents. In Rzhev town, Tver province, local officials stated that Ukrainian UAVs damaged three residential buildings, necessitating the evacuation of 350 residents.
Additionally, Ukraine's extensive strike disrupted air operations across Russia. Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency imposed restrictions on flights at dozens of airports as a result of the attacks.
On the same day, Ukraine's Air Force Command announced that it had intercepted 92 out of a total of 102 UAVs launched by Russia. eight of these aircraft struck six locations, while UAV debris fell in four other areas. The whereabouts of the remaining two UAVs were not specified. Ukrainian officials also reported that Russian strikes over the past day resulted in 13 fatalities and 54 injuries.
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Location of Naro-Fominsk. *Graphic: X/Tendar*
These Ukrainian attacks unfolded as Russia intensified security measures in anticipation of the Victory Day Parade, scheduled for 9/5 on Red Square. Russian officials had already announced plans to restrict Internet access, close airports, and impose various limitations across the capital, Moscow, in preparation for the event.
Russia's Ministry of Defense previously stated that this year's parade would not feature motorized vehicle formations, a departure from previous years, citing the "operational situation."
Russia had declared a ceasefire for 8-9/5, expressing a desire for Ukraine to reciprocate. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected this proposal, characterizing it as an attempt to safeguard the parade and the capital Moscow from potential Ukrainian attacks.
On 6/5, the Russian military issued a warning, stating it would launch retaliatory strikes on the capital Kyiv, specifically targeting "decision-making centers," should Ukraine disrupt the Victory Day celebrations.
Pham Giang (According to TASS, Kyiv Post, Kyiv Independent)
