Russian authorities reported a significant Ukrainian drone strike targeting Moscow, leading to the suspension of flight operations at two major airports. The Russian Defence Ministry announced via Telegram that 112 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed across six regions within three hours leading up to midnight.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that 12 drones en route to the capital were shot down. The southwestern Bryansk region faced the brunt of the attacks, with 59 drones targeted there, alongside strikes in Kursk, Belgorod, Tula, Oryol, and Kaluga regions.
This assault follows Ukraine's report of enduring one of Russia's most intense three-day drone offensives since the conflict escalated in 2022. While Moscow, situated several hundred kilometers from the frontline, is not frequently subjected to large-scale drone attacks, recent weeks have seen increased disruptions to flights due to safety concerns.
The Federal Aviation Transport Agency subsequently implemented restrictions at Moscow’s Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports, suspending certain flight operations. According to Ukrainian sources, over 900 drones were launched by Russia over three days concluding Monday, which tragically resulted in 13 civilian deaths, including three children.
In response, Russia's Defence Ministry characterized Ukraine's drone attacks as provocations and retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting civilian infrastructure within Russia.
