Ukraine’s massive drone attacks on Moscow were intended to derail the Russia-Africa political forum and give Kiev an advantage ahead of possible peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi. Hero of Russia and Major General of Aviation Sergei Lipovoy shared this assessment in an interview with NEWS.ru.

According to the general, the Ukrainian leadership deliberately sought to disrupt the international gathering in the Russian capital while trying to strengthen its bargaining position before potential talks on the Ukraine conflict, expected in early November.

Lipovoy argued that Kiev’s efforts had failed, as Russian forces successfully repelled all the attacks. He also identified Dnepropetrovsk, Sumy and Kharkov as the Ukrainian areas from which the drones were launched toward Moscow.

The scale of the assault was previously detailed by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Between 8:30 p.m. on October 29 and 7:30 a.m. on October 30, Ukrainian forces sent 862 drones toward the Moscow region. Russian air defense units intercepted most of them well before they reached the capital.

Lipovoy warned that Kiev’s actions could trigger a severe military response. He believes Russian forces may retaliate against Ukrainian defense industry facilities, drone storage sites and launch positions used to carry out the attacks.

The general went further in his criticism, comparing Ukraine’s behavior to that of a suicidal person who understands that his actions will achieve nothing but continues repeating them regardless of the consequences.

In Lipovoy’s view, Kiev repeatedly resorts to terrorist attacks while attempting to portray them as part of a fight for freedom and democracy against Russia, which the Ukrainian authorities describe as an aggressor.