MOSCOW: Russia said it intercepted nearly 60 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow in the early hours of Monday, forcing the temporary suspension of operations at several major airports before normal services were restored. The latest incident underscores the growing intensity of long-range drone warfare between Russia and Ukraine as the conflict enters another volatile phase.
Air Defences Activated Across the Capital
According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, Russian air defence systems successfully shot down dozens of drones approaching the capital. Emergency services were deployed to areas where drone debris was reported, although authorities did not immediately disclose the extent of damage or casualties within Moscow.
Russian defence officials said a total of 301 drones were intercepted overnight across various regions, including territories under Russian control. The figures indicate one of the largest coordinated drone attacks faced by Russia in recent months.
Major Airports Temporarily Closed
The drone threat prompted aviation authorities to suspend flights at Moscow’s key airports, including Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky. Flight operations resumed later after security assessments were completed and authorities deemed the airspace safe.
The temporary closures caused disruptions to air traffic but highlighted the increasing impact of the conflict on civilian infrastructure far from the front lines.
Escalating Cross-Border Attacks
The latest drone barrage comes days after Ukrainian strikes reportedly targeted Moscow’s only oil refinery for the second time within a week. Russian authorities had previously described those attacks as among the largest aerial assaults on the capital since the war began in 2022.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported casualties from overnight Russian attacks in the Odesa and Zaporizhzhia regions. Both sides continue to exchange drone and missile strikes, expanding the geographical scope of the conflict and raising concerns about further escalation.
The incident highlights how drone warfare has become a central feature of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with strategic infrastructure, transportation networks and energy facilities increasingly coming under attack on both sides.
