FPV Drone Attacks Moscow: Unveiling Controversial Strikes
**The Russian news agency RIA Novosti made waves recently by publishing, and subsequently deleting, two Telegram posts that detailed FPV drone operations targeting Ukrainian territory from Moscow. Reports indicate that FPV drone operators were launching strikes from a temporary control center situated within a skyscraper in Moscow’s business district. The first post noted, “An FPV drone controlled from Moscow struck a target of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Chasiv Yar from a very long distance for the first time.” In a related post, it was mentioned that the drone was fired upon by the Espanola brigade, located near Chasiv Yar in the Bakhmut region, much of which is currently controlled by Russian forces. Both posts were swiftly removed, just 90 minutes after publication.
Accompanying the posts was a striking six-minute video documenting the drone strike. In this footage, one of the soldiers involved articulates, “The commander is sitting in Moscow while we hit the target,” emphasizing the centralized command during the operation. Another voice adds, “The operator feels safe, there is no psychological pressure,” which underscores the perceived advantages of drone warfare over traditional military methods.
Details of the Operation
Further details emerged from the Espanola brigade’s Telegram channel, where they confirmed the attack and indicated that the operation utilized the brigade leader’s drone. They disclosed, “Our commander successfully hit a target near Chasiv Yar using our ‘Ovod’ drone while living in a rented apartment in Moscow.” The brigade pointed out that the choice of Moscow as the operator’s location was strategic, stating, “When the system is used, the operator can be positioned anywhere. We believe it is better to position this operator closer to the commander and intelligence data to shorten decision-making time.” This statement highlights the increasingly complex interplay of technology and warfare.
The Insider conducted visual analyses of the strike footage, revealing that the drone operators were within the “Gorod Stolits” (City of Capitals) tower. Notably, the footage depicts a black roof corner of the adjacent IQ-Quarter complex on the right, while windows of the “Tower on the Set” are visible on the left. The residential complex’s official website indicates that much of the tower is comprised of civilian spaces such as residential apartments and offices, raising significant concerns about military operations being conducted from civilian areas.
Reaction and Controversy
In the aftermath of RIA Novosti’s publication, the agency faced intense backlash from pro-war Russian bloggers, many of whom criticized the decision to disclose such sensitive operational details. The critics emphasized serious ethical concerns, considering international law’s clear prohibitions against utilizing civilian buildings for military purposes. The Geneva Conventions explicitly state that civilian objects should not be targeted nor used to support military operations.
Moreover, this revelation comes at a time when tensions surrounding drone warfare are escalating, with incidents of downed drones becoming common. Recently, Russia’s Shahed drone, distinguished by its wooden header, was also reported to have been shot down, further complicating the narrative surrounding the ongoing conflict.
