Moscow, the capital city of Russia, recently experienced two separate drone attacks on one of its glitzy skyscrapers in the Moskva-Citi business district. This incident has left residents with mixed feelings, ranging from defiance to fear and uncertainty. While some residents shrug off the attacks as minor, cosmetic harm to the well-constructed building, others express nervousness and contemplate moving away from the area.
The first attack occurred on Saturday, July 30, followed by another attack on Sunday, July 31, hitting the same spot. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion and saw cars stopping, indicating the occurrence of a drone attack. Anastasia Berseneva, a resident, expressed her uneasiness, stating that she plans to leave the area due to the repeated attacks. The continuity of the attacks has startled her, as she, like many others, believed the popular adage that lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice.
Despite the incidents, some Moscow residents remain unfazed. They assert that the drones can only cause cosmetic harm and that the building’s structure remains intact. Alexander Gusev, a resident, likened the impact of the attacks to a mosquito bite for a human. He further added that the attacks haven’t instilled fear among Moscow’s population, as they have grown accustomed to bad news and anticipate more attacks in the future. Masha, another resident, echoed the sentiment, stating that this is the new reality for the city.
The Ukrainian government has not claimed responsibility for the attacks, although experts suggest that Ukrainian-made drones might have been employed. These drones, although limited in their destructive capabilities, succeed in causing unease and anxiety among Muscovites. The origin of the drones remains unclear, leading to concerns about the weaknesses in Russian air defenses and the security services’ lack of control over the country.
The frequency of these attacks has prompted some residents to seek insurance coverage for potential damages caused by drones. Alfa Insurance, an insurance company, now offers home insurance policies that include coverage for damages caused by “falling flying objects or their debris.”
The repeated drone attacks on Moscow’s skyscrapers highlight the growing concerns within the city and the potential impact on its residents. While some residents exhibit resilience and downplay the significance, others express genuine fear and consider relocating. The continuation of such attacks and the uncertain source of the drones pose a challenge to the Russian authorities, raising questions about the effectiveness of air defenses and internal security control.
As the city grapples with its new reality, it remains to be seen how Moscow and its residents will adapt to the persistent threat of drone attacks and whether additional security measures will be implemented to safeguard its skyscrapers and inhabitants.
