Poland scrambles jets as Ukraine launches 'largest ever' drone assault on Moscow, killing two

From the Newshound archive · first published 22 September 2026.

Ukraine launched an overnight drone barrage against Russia involving upwards of 1,000 projectiles, with hundreds of them aimed at Moscow in what Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described as the largest attack on the capital since the war began. Sobyanin reported that 450 drones were intercepted before reaching the city, but a fire broke out at a Moscow oil refinery and a residential building was struck as well. A 74-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman died, and 20 more people were injured across the Moscow region. Poland's army confirmed it had activated military aviation operations in response to the strikes.

The assault unfolded on the final day of Russia's parliamentary elections.

Analysts warn that any ceasefire with Ukraine will only hold if Putin is convinced the West has a lasting commitment to the fight.

Critics say Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are approaching Ukraine's survival like a property negotiation rather than a matter of national existence.