Russia says destroyed dozens of Ukrainian drones as polling stations open
Russia intercepted over 350 Ukrainian drones targeting the Moscow region as parliamentary elections began. The vote is expected to solidify President Vladimir Putin's control despite the ongoing war.
Why it matters
The drone attacks and the election occur simultaneously, highlighting the domestic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Russia destroyed a wave of Ukrainian drones bound for Moscow, the city's mayor said on Friday (September 18, 2026), as polling stations opened for the country's first parliamentary election since the start of the war.
While few doubt President Vladimir Putin's party will sail to victory again, the vote will serve as a barometer for feelings on the war that has killed hundreds of thousands and undermined the daily lives of Russians.
"More than 350 UAVs flew towards the Moscow region between 8:00 pm (1700 GMT) on 17 September and 7:00 am on 18 September," Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram.
"Most were reportedly destroyed at the outer defensive perimeter, including 64 UAVs intercepted while approaching Moscow."
Mr. Putin has ruled Russia since New Year's Eve 1999 and his United Russia party has dominated Russian politics since the early 2000s.
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