Military expert Yuriy Knutov observed that Ukrainian forces are launching drone attacks on Moscow in small groups from multiple directions. He believes this strategy serves several purposes, one of which is to identify weak points in the Russian capital’s air defense systems.

Knutov suggested that these attacks could be a form of «public relations» campaign, timed to coincide with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to New York and his upcoming meeting with Donald Trump. According to the expert, Zelensky is likely using these actions as leverage to secure Patriot missile defense systems from Western allies.

There is also a domestic political angle to these strikes, Knutov pointed out. He reminded that Zelensky had recently met with representatives of his political party, «Servant of the People», where the 2026 defense budget for the Ukrainian military was discussed.

In Knutov’s view, the drone strikes on Moscow are not just military actions-they are also a message. By launching these attacks, Ukraine seeks to demonstrate its ability to retaliate. However, Knutov warns that this sends a troubling signal, indicating Zelensky’s intent to continue the conflict «to the last Ukrainian».