Ukraine launched one of its largest long-range drone offensives against Russia, with Moscow and the surrounding region coming under a massive barrage as Russia held the final day of its parliamentary elections. Russian officials said more than 1,000 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across the country, with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reporting that around 450 drones were heading toward the capital. The attack caused damage to the Moscow Oil Refinery, a major facility in Russia’s energy network, while residential buildings were also hit and casualties were reported in the Moscow region. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian oil and logistics facilities had been targeted, describing them as important sources of revenue supporting Russia’s war effort. The timing of the strikes has also drawn attention. The barrage came as Russians were casting ballots on the final day of the country’s parliamentary elections. Moscow officials accused Kyiv of attempting to disrupt the vote, while Ukraine has continued to expand its long-range drone campaign against Russian energy and military-linked infrastructure. WATCH

The House passed the bill 262-159 on September 16, sending it to President Donald Trump. The legislation targets Russia’s energy and defence sectors and its sanction-evasion “shadow fleet,” while authorising tariffs of up to 100&#37 on major buyers of Russian energy, including countries such as India and China. The US has dramatically escalated economic pressure on Russia after the House of Representatives passed the sweeping Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in a 262-159 vote. The bill now heads to Trump, putting the next move firmly in the White House’s hands. The legislation targets Russia’s energy and defence sectors, Russian officials and the so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers accused of helping Moscow evade sanctions. One of the most consequential provisions would give Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100&#37 on countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas, potentially putting major Russian energy buyers such as India and China in the spotlight. WATCH