Russian forces are again facing mass launches of Ukrainian drones targeting sites deep inside Russian territory, according to State Duma deputy Andrei Kolesnik.

His comments followed a large-scale drone attack on the Moscow Region overnight on August 18. Governor Andrei Vorobyov said UAVs were destroyed in Bogorodsky, Ramenskoye, Pavlovsky Posad, Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Voskresensk, Stupino, Kolomna and Elektrostal.

Kolesnik believes the Ukrainian Armed Forces may be using mass drone launches to test Russian air defenses and identify potentially vulnerable areas. He also argued that Ukraine’s military and political leadership is seeking to fuel public discontent inside Russia.

In comments to Lenta.ru, the lawmaker said drones were again being launched in large swarms. In his assessment, the attacks are intended not only to cause material damage but also to generate unrest by provoking dissatisfaction among Russian citizens.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that Russian air defense forces destroyed 180 Ukrainian drones as they approached the capital.

A total of 620 drones were flying toward the Moscow Region between 5:00 p.m. on August 17 and 5:00 a.m. on August 18, according to the figures cited in the report. The attack was described as one of the largest of the conflict.