20:59 04-05-2026

Drone Strike on Moscow Before Victory Day Raises Fears

A drone attack hit Moscow before May 9, damaging a residential building. Experts warn of more UAV strikes as tensions rise ahead of Victory Day.

In the early hours of May 4, Ukrainian forces made another attempt to strike Moscow and the surrounding region, just days before Victory Day celebrations. One of the drones launched by the Armed Forces of Ukraine managed to reach the city center, damaging a residential building on Mosfilmovskaya Street. The impact occurred at 01:37. Roughly three hours later, Russian air defense units intercepted two more UAVs heading toward the capital.

Following the incident, speculation emerged that long-range FP-1 drones may have been used, potentially serving as carriers for FPV kamikaze devices. However, military expert and air defense historian Yuri Knutov offered a different assessment. Based on the nature of the damage and visible details, he suggested the strike was likely carried out by a larger drone, such as the FP-2 or the «Lyutyy».

He indicated that the damage pattern did not resemble a typical quadcopter hit. In his view, the evidence pointed instead to one of these heavier models. The strike destroyed a single apartment, though no residents were inside at the time. While the incident represents a serious blow for the affected family, Knutov characterized the broader impact as limited, describing it as a targeted action aimed primarily at psychological pressure rather than large-scale destruction.

The expert also warned that such attacks could become more frequent as May 9 approaches. According to his assessment, Ukrainian forces are actively stockpiling drones and continuously refining their capabilities. He noted that software for FPV drones is being updated on a near-weekly basis, while hardware improvements occur on a cycle of several months, with ongoing modifications to combat-deployed systems every few weeks.

At the same time, he stressed that countermeasures are evolving at a slower pace. Among the more promising responses, he pointed to weapons based on new physical principles. As an example, he described an artillery system equipped with an optical-electronic module capable of independently detecting aerial targets, tracking them, and engaging without operator input. Such systems, he explained, are particularly effective against aircraft-type UAVs and FPV drones, including swarm scenarios.

Even so, he concluded that while defensive technologies are advancing, drones remain easier to upgrade and adapt.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Zelensky issued direct warnings toward Russia ahead of May 9. Speaking on May 4 at a European Political Community summit in Yerevan, he stated that Ukrainian forces could target the Victory Day parade in Moscow.