Three Chinese nationals among 10 injured in Ukrainian drone attack on Mo…

At least 10 people were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on the Moscow region, including three Chinese nationals, according to Russian officials and confirmed by the Chinese Embassy in Russia. The strikes, which occurred over Sunday night and Monday morning, involved approximately 400 drones targeting logistics facilities and residential areas, marking a significant escalation in the conflict’s reach into Russian territory.

The Chinese Embassy in Moscow stated that two of the injured were receiving treatment at local hospitals in stable condition, while a third had been discharged for further care in China. The three Chinese nationals were identified as employees of a logistics company operating a warehouse in the region, according to Chinese state media. The attack on the facility, which also injured seven other individuals, occurred around 6:40 a.m. Local time, when explosions struck the compound. Workers fled to an open area but were struck by drone shrapnel, with one requiring surgery and another remaining hospitalized.

Russian officials reported that the drone strikes caused fires and structural damage across the Moscow region, with the most severe casualties linked to attacks on logistics hubs. A Wildberries warehouse in Podolsk, Russia’s largest online retailer, was among the targets, following earlier strikes that killed eight workers and injured dozens. The Moscow region governor, Andrei Vorobyov, confirmed that three of the 10 injured were Chinese citizens, alongside a child and others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attributed the attacks to targeting “major logistics facilities” used to support Russia’s military operations, framing the strikes as a response to Moscow’s attacks on Ukrainian cities.

The incident underscores the expanding geographic scope of the war, with Ukrainian drone campaigns increasingly penetrating Russian territory. Earlier in July, a similar strike on Moscow’s outskirts killed three people, the deadliest such attack on the capital. Analysts noted that the targeting of commercial infrastructure, such as warehouses and shipping routes, reflects a strategy to disrupt Russia’s supply chains while signaling vulnerability in its rear areas.

The attack also added an international dimension, as the presence of Chinese nationals among the injured could strain Russia-China relations. Beijing has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict, but the incident may complicate diplomatic ties. The Chinese Embassy urged Russian authorities to ensure the safety of its citizens, emphasizing its emergency response efforts. Meanwhile, India reported four of its nationals killed and another critically injured in a separate Russian missile strike on a ship near Odesa, Ukraine, further highlighting the war’s humanitarian toll.

The drone attacks coincided with domestic unrest in Ukraine, where protests against military leadership have intensified. Thousands of demonstrators have demanded the removal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, citing concerns over his tactics and command style. President Zelensky has met with military commanders to address the crisis, while former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, recently dismissed, has called for reforms to modernize the armed forces. The protests reflect deep divisions within Ukraine’s military leadership, with some advocating for modernization and others favoring traditional approaches.

Russia’s military has also faced challenges, with reports of increased missile launches and intensified strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. A U.S.-based think tank noted that Russia’s use of ballistic missiles in July exceeded its monthly production capacity, raising concerns about sustainability. Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions flared as Russia expelled two Italian diplomats, citing espionage allegations, in a reciprocal move after Italy’s expulsion of Russian military attaches.