Russia threatens escalation after Ukraine's largest-ever drone attack on Moscow
Ukraine's overnight drone barrage against Moscow, the largest single attack of the war so far, set off fires in several central districts of the Russian capital after air-defence batteries shot down dozens of incoming craft. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a proportionate response would follow, while the White House continued to hold back on Ukrainian requests for additional Patriot batteries and long-range systems. The rouble slipped modestly and Brent crude pushed above $78 a barrel in early Asian trade.
Ukraine's military said it carried out its single largest drone strike of the war against Moscow overnight. Russia's defence ministry said 78 drones had been shot down over the Moscow region, but fires and structural damage were reported in the early hours in the central Khamovniki and Presnensky districts of the capital. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said two people were lightly injured and several apartment blocks had been evacuated.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a proportionate response would follow and accused Ukraine of crossing "red lines". The White House nevertheless maintained its hesitations over Kyiv's requests for additional Patriot batteries and ATACMS long-range missile systems. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington would "evaluate further options".
Markets reacted in measured fashion. The Russian rouble lost 0.4% against the dollar in early trade, while Brent crude rose to $78.40 a barrel on concerns over energy infrastructure. European defence stocks opened more than 1.5% higher.
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