Massive drone strike hits Russia: Rostov on fire, Moscow under pressure

Illustrative photo: Russian Emergencies Ministry (Getty Images)

Russia reports largest drone attack of the year, according to Russian Telegram channels. RBC-Ukraine informs.

Thus, overnight into March 21, nine districts of the Rostov region, strategic facilities in the Saratov region, and the approaches to Moscow came under attack. The total number of drones involved exceeded 120.

Rostov region

The most intense situation was in the Rostov region. Local authorities said the massive attack covered nearly the entire region. Russians counted more than 90 drones in their sky alone.

At the same time, the geography of the "explosions" is striking: Chertkovsky, Millerovsky, Tarasovsky, Bokovsky, Milyutinsky, Sholokhovsky, Kasharsky, Krasnosulinsky, and Kamensky districts.

Residents posted videos throughout the night showing the characteristic sound of "mopeds" and bright flashes. Despite authorities' claims of "all targets being shot down", public channels reported fires near logistics hubs supporting the occupation grouping in Ukraine.

Saratov region

Drones struck facilities, likely near the Engels airbase. Authorities confirmed damage to residential buildings (windows shattered) and reported at least two injured. Restriction measures were urgently introduced at Gagarin Airport.

Moscow region

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said that air defense forces initially destroyed six drones. Later, according to him, several more waves of attacks were repelled — during which another seven and six drones were shot down, and later two more UAVs were reported neutralized. After further interceptions, the total number of downed drones rose to 27.

At the same time, while air defenses were trying to hit the drones, Moscow's Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports experienced disruptions, delaying dozens of flights. This is the most massive combined attack since the beginning of 2026.

Experts note that the current strike is the largest since the start of 2026. According to them, the simultaneous launch of such a number of drones across different regions exhausts the enemy's air defense resources and allows identification of gaps in the protection of the most vulnerable facilities — oil depots, airfields, and defense industry plants.

And while the Russian Ministry of Defense reports "impressive" numbers of downed UAVs, the reality — in the form of closed airports and the glow over Rostov — indicates that the war is increasingly returning to the aggressor’s territory.

It should be recalled that the Russian army is looking for alternatives to Starlink to control drones on the front line. To this end, the invaders are actively using inexpensive Molniya-type drones, changing their strike tactics.

Нагадаємо: Сили оборони України знищили пускову установку С-300, склади боєприпасів та логістичні об’єкти противника.