TRANSCRIPT
Cleaning up in the aftermath of what's being reported as the biggest Ukrainian drone attack on Russian soil in the two-and-half year full-scale war.
In the town of Ramenskoye, just outside Moscow, drones hit two multi-story residential buildings, starting fires, killing one woman and injuring at least three others.
Russia says its military destroyed at least 20 drones over the Moscow region; and more than 70 over the Bryansk region.
Five residential buildings near one of those damaged have been evacuated; and the attack is also prompting authorities to temporarily shut down three airports just outside Moscow.
A witness of the attack, Yulia Rodionova, says all her windows were shattered.
"We took food, some essential belongings. We'll now go to my sister's at Desantnaya, 17 (nearby street). We don't know how long will the evacuation last. Moreover, there are fire alarm sirens there, you can't be there even if you want to."
It is the second massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russia this month.
On September 1, the Russian military said it intercepted 158 Ukrainian drones over a dozen Russian regions in what Russian media described as the biggest Ukrainian drone barrage since the start of the war.
The drone attack comes as the United States confirms reports that Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran for its war in Ukraine.
Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder says the move amounts to a substantial escalation, and they will impose further sanctions on Iran.
"To echo our State Department and White House colleagues, this is a deeply concerning development as this partnership between Iran and Russia threatens European security and illustrates how Iran's destabilizing influence reaches beyond the Middle East and around the world. Additionally, Russian support for Iran is destabilizing as well as Moscow is sharing technology that Iran needs. We'll continue to monitor these developments alongside our allies and partners across Europe and the Middle East and remain steadfast in our support to Ukraine's defence from the threat these missile systems may pose to the people of Ukraine."
According to Major General Ryder, the U-S believes the Fath-360, a type of close-range ballistic missile system, could be used within weeks against Ukraine.
Ryder also says it's likely dozens of Russian military personnel were trained in Iran to use this missile system.
Iran denies supplying the arms.
Ukraine, which has already been grappling with an increase in Russian missile and drone attacks, says there would be devastating consequences for its bilateral ties with Iran.
Ukraine has threatened to cut ties with Iran, if Russia uses the missiles to attack Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi says the situation will affect Ukraine and Iran's diplomatic relations.
"Of course, the situation that is currently developing is totally unacceptable for Ukraine. Ukraine has stated its tough position saying that this will have devastating consequences for Ukrainian-Iranian relations. I can confirm once again that our warnings remain valid. Even more so, yesterday, the charge d'affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was informed in harsh form about the devastating consequences."
The UK, France and Germany have imposed new sanctions on Iran over the missiles.
The restrictions include the ability of the national airline Iran Air to fly to the UK and Europe.
Also among the new measures are travel bans and asset freezes on several Iranians accused of facilitating military support for Russia.
Meanwhile, the Russian military has announced massive naval and air drills spanning across both hemispheres.
Chinese warships and planes were taking part.
President Vladimir Putin confirmed the military exercises.
"I would like to note that this is the first time in the last three decades that we are conducting such large-scale exercises at sea. They will be held simultaneously in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic Seas."
The Russian Defense Ministry says the drills involve over 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, more than 120 planes and helicopters and over 90,000 troops - and will continue until September 16.
On Monday, China confirmed the two countries' navies would cruise together in the Pacific, but gave no further details.
President Putin defended the exercises, accusing the United States of trying to maintain its global military and political dominance at any cost.
“With its aggressive actions, the United States seeks to achieve a tangible military advantage, thereby breaking the established security architecture and balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region. The US is essentially provoking an arms race, disregarding the security of its European and Asian allies, creating the preconditions for a dangerous crisis situation in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. I want to emphasise that Russia must be prepared for any development of the situation."
With joint exercises, Russia has sought help from China in achieving its long-cherished aim of becoming a Pacific power; while Russia has backed China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea and elsewhere.
