Russian Airports Face Flight Restrictions Amid Drone Attack
Russian authorities announced on Tuesday that air traffic was severely restricted at multiple airports following a significant drone assault by Ukraine. The overnight operation, which involved over 100 drones, targeted various locations, including Moscow, just days ahead of the annual Victory Day parade commemorating the end of World War II.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that a total of 105 drones were launched against the country. Fortunately, air defense systems were able to intercept and shoot down 19 drones in the Moscow area. Despite debris falling onto one of the city’s busy avenues, there were no reported injuries according to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, who provided updates on Telegram.
Impact on Airports and Local Infrastructure
The drone strikes prompted immediate flight restrictions at more than a dozen airports, including four located in Moscow. According to Russian news agencies citing the Federal Air Transport Agency, operations at the city’s main Sheremetyevo airport were mostly unaffected, allowing some flights to continue as scheduled.
In addition to the disruptions in Moscow, other towns such as Volgograd and Nizhny Novgorod also experienced impacts due to the drone attacks. Local governors reported that their defenses intercepted a total of 28 drones across the Voronezh and Penza regions, with no casualties reported in those areas.
Civilian Infrastructure Damaged
As the attacks unfolded, reports emerged of property damage within Moscow. Footage from the scene revealed a cracked supermarket window and a charred facade of a nearby residential building, highlighting the collateral damage of the drone strikes. These developments have raised concerns about the safety of civilians amid escalating military tensions.
In the Kursk region, the acting governor Alexander Khinshtein reported late Monday that an assault occurred on an electrical substation in the city of Rylsk, resulting in injuries to two teenagers. He noted that two transformers were damaged, resulting in a complete power outage in the area.
Kasher Attack in Odesa Region
While Ukraine launched these drone attacks on Russian territory, the retaliation from Russia was felt across the border. In a separate incident, Governor Oleg Kiper reported that a Russian drone strike in the Odesa region resulted in the death of one person on Monday night, emphasizing the severity of ongoing hostilities between the two nations.
The escalation of drone warfare and missile strikes raises alarms for the upcoming Victory Day parade in Moscow. The parade, which is expected to draw international attention as President Vladimir Putin presides over it, now takes place under a shadow of heightened security and military tensions.
