Ukrainian president Zelensky warns of impending "war" in Russia following drone strike in Moscow

Kyiv: After three Ukrainian drones were downed over Moscow on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a warning, stating that "war" was approaching Russia.

During a visit to the western city of Ivano-Frankivsk, Zelensky remarked, "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 expressed confidence in Ukraine's growing strength but urged the country to brace for a potential new attack on its energy infrastructure during the winter, reported AFP.

"We must be aware that, just as last year, Russian terrorists can still attack our energy sector and critical facilities this winter," Zelensky cautioned. He revealed that discussions on preparing for "all possible scenarios" were held in Ivano-Frankivsk.

The incident in Moscow occurred when three Ukrainian drones were shot down, as confirmed by the Russian defence ministry. The attack caused damage to two office towers and led to a brief closure of an international airport. Russia claimed that its forces successfully thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to attack Russia-annexed Crimea using 25 drones overnight.

These recent drone assaults, including an attack on the Kremlin and Russian towns near the Ukrainian border, have been attributed to Kyiv by Moscow.

The situation has escalated tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides trading accusations and heightening concerns about the potential for further conflict. The downing of drones and alleged attempts to attack sensitive areas have raised alarm in the region and drawn international attention to the volatile situation between the two neighbouring countries.