Kyiv – “Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia” Zelensky warned after a drone attack on Moscow. Meanwhile, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's alarming statement suggests the possibility of using nuclear weapons if Ukraine's counter-offensive is successful.

Drone Attack on Moscow
The drone attack involved three Ukrainian drones, with two crashing into offices in the capital. President Zelensky asserts that attacks on Russian territory are a justified consequence of the ongoing conflict between the two countries during a video address from the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk.

He suggested that such actions were a natural consequence of the ongoing war between the two countries. "Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia - to its symbolic centres and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process," he stated.

The situation in the region has escalated tensions, with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev implying that Russia might resort to using nuclear weapons if Ukraine's counter-offensive continues to succeed.

In a concerning statement on social media, Medvedev, who is also the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, stated that there would be "no other option" for Russia if Ukraine takes what he described as "our land."

Escalating Tensions
Russia's defense ministry reported that the drone attack on Moscow was an attempted terrorist attack, but it was successfully thwarted. The incident prompted brief suspension of flights from Vnukovo Airport and re-routing of incoming planes. Moscow, located about 500 km (310 miles) from the Ukrainian border, has rarely been targeted since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russia has accused Ukraine of several drone strikes on its territory in recent months, including an attack on the Kremlin in May. Despite denials from Ukraine regarding the Kremlin attack, hostilities have continued, leading to increased casualties and destruction. One eyewitness, who only gave her first name as Liya, described the aftermath of the attack, saying, "We heard an explosion and it was like a wave, everyone jumped. Then there was a lot of smoke and you couldn't see anything. From above, you could see fire."

The conflict has also seen Russian forces attempting to regain territory in the southern front occupied by Ukraine, leading to fierce fighting in various regions.

Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar highlighted the intensity of the battles, stating, "Our troops resist the attacks and sometimes push them back with heavy losses."

As the situation remains volatile, the international community closely watches the developments, concerned about potential ramifications for regional stability.

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia poses significant challenges, and President Zelensky's recent statements indicate that both sides are prepared to engage in further hostilities. Diplomatic efforts to seek resolutions and de-escalate the situation become increasingly crucial in preventing further bloodshed and potential catastrophic outcomes.