Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of trying to frighten Russians by launching a drone attack on Moscow

The Russian Defense Ministry said at least eight drones were involved, and Kyiv has denied responsibility.

This is the first time Moscow has been targeted by multiple drones since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Putin accused Ukraine of responding to a recent Russian attack on Ukraine's military intelligence headquarters by targeting Moscow with attempts to intimidate Russia and air strikes against residential buildings.

The US state department repeated its position that it does not support attacks inside Russia, but Ukraine's foreign ministry said Western support for Kyiv was "pushing the Ukrainian leadership towards ever more reckless criminal deeds including acts of terrorism." The drones struck some of Moscow's most prominent neighborhoods, including areas where Putin and other Russian elite have residences.

One former military officer said the attacks came as a surprise to Muscovites because Russia's radar was unable to detect the low-flying drones.

Putin stated that while Moscow's air defenses had responded successfully, they still needed "bit of work" and had to be made "more dense." On Tuesday, drones launched attacks on the Moscow area, with a military chief blaming military officials living in a suburb.

The mercenary chief posted an expletive-laden message on Telegram, questioning why Russia was allowing drones to fly to Moscow and suggesting that houses should be allowed to burn.

Dr Jack Watling, an expert on land warfare, said that Ukraine had struck airfields in Russia before, but not Moscow.

Videos circulated online showing smoke rising from the complex and a small explosion at the Senate Palace.

Russian authorities claimed that the incident was ordered by Kyiv, while Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky denied that his country was involved.