Moscow drone strikes hit oil refinery as Russia votes in disputed election
Russia accuses Ukraine of disrupting its parliamentary vote after 450 drones target Moscow, killing two and damaging an oil refinery. What the escalation means for the war.
The final day of Russia’s parliamentary elections was marked by the largest drone attack on Moscow since the war in Ukraine began, killing two people and damaging a key oil refinery. The strikes, which authorities blamed on Kyiv, underscore how the conflict is increasingly spilling into Russian territory—and how far Ukraine is willing to go to disrupt Kremlin operations.
Moscow under fire: drones strike as Russians vote
Russian officials said more than 1,600 drones were intercepted across the country on Sunday, with 450 targeting the Moscow region. Two people died in the attacks, and a major oil refinery in the capital’s outskirts was damaged. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin called the assault an attempt to “sow panic” during the election, which critics dismiss as a sham due to the exclusion of opposition candidates and widespread reports of voter coercion.
Ukraine has not claimed responsibility, but the timing—on the last day of voting—suggests a deliberate effort to undermine the Kremlin’s narrative of stability. The strikes come as Russia intensifies its own aerial bombardments on Ukrainian cities, including a recent wave of missile attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv.
Labour’s rail nationalisation push accelerates
Chiltern Railways became the sixth UK train operator to return to public ownership on Sunday, as Labour moves ahead with its plan to renationalise the country’s rail network by 2027. The shift follows years of criticism over private operators’ reliability, cost overruns, and fragmented service.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh called the move a “new era for rail,” promising better integration and investment. But industry groups warn that the transition could disrupt services if not managed carefully. The government has yet to outline how it will fund the overhaul, which analysts estimate could cost billions.
Australia’s ageing population: more centenarians, smaller households
Australia’s latest intergenerational report projects that by 2066, life expectancy will rise to 89 for women and 86 for men—up from 85 and 81 today. The forecast, released on Monday, also predicts smaller household sizes as the population ages, putting pressure on housing, healthcare, and pension systems.
The report highlights a growing divide: while more Australians will live into their 90s, younger generations face higher costs of living and slower wage growth. Treasurer Jim Chalmers called the findings a “wake-up call” for policymakers, urging reforms to boost productivity and support working families.
NHS healthy food scheme fails thousands of families
Fewer than two-thirds of eligible families in England are claiming NHS funds to buy milk, fruit, and vegetables under the Healthy Start scheme, new figures show. The programme, designed to combat child malnutrition, provides vouchers worth up to £8.50 per week—but bureaucratic hurdles and lack of awareness are leaving thousands without support.
Campaigners warn that the shortfall is widening health inequalities, particularly in deprived areas. The government has pledged to simplify the application process, but critics say more urgent action is needed to ensure vulnerable families receive the help they’re entitled to.
What to watch
As Russia’s election results roll in, attention turns to how the Kremlin will respond to the drone attacks—and whether Ukraine will escalate further. Meanwhile, Labour’s rail plans face their first real test, while Australia’s demographic shift raises questions about the future of work and welfare. In the UK, the NHS’s struggle to reach families in need highlights the gap between policy and reality.
