Ukrainian Drone Attack Closes 3 of 4 Airports in Moscow

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia has temporarily halted flights at three of its four international airports in Moscow following a large-scale drone attack from Ukraine.

According to Russian officials, a total of 144 drones were intercepted during this assault, with 20 allegedly shot down over the capital city itself. The interferences led to around 50 flights being diverted from the affected airports, as reported by the state news agency, Tass.

The international airports in question include Domodedovo, Zhukovsky, and Vnukovo, which resumed operations after the initial chaos, though flight schedules remained disrupted. Additionally, reports indicated that some flights were suspended at Kazan Airport, located in central Russia.

Andrei Vorobyov, the governor of Moscow, confirmed that the drone strikes resulted in a tragic fatality in the Ramenskoye district, where several residential flats were set ablaze and at least two high-rise buildings suffered extensive damage.

An eyewitness, identified as Alexander Li, described the horrifying scene, stating he witnessed a window being “blown out by the shock wave.” This poignant account captures the severity of the destruction caused by the drone strikes in residential areas.

As of now, Ukrainian officials have yet to respond to the situation or comment on the drone attack. This incident follows a series of Russian missile strikes targeting various cities across Ukraine, intensifying the conflict between the two nations.

On the Ukrainian side, the Air Force reported successfully downing 38 of the 46 drones that Russia launched in its recent offensive, with interceptions occurring across several regions, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv. The active defense measures highlight Ukraine’s commitment to countering Russian aggression effectively.

Ukraine has notably accelerated its domestic drone production efforts in recent years. Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine’s minister of strategic industries, indicated that the country is on course to produce significantly more small attack drones by the year’s end than initially planned. This surge in domestic capabilities is a critical element of Ukraine’s defensive and offensive strategies in the ongoing conflict.

Furthermore, Ukraine has consistently called on its Western allies to remove restrictions on long-range ballistic weaponry. Such military equipment would empower Ukraine to target deeper within Russian territory, enhancing its operational capabilities in the conflict.

The last drone attack of similar magnitude occurred in May, when Russian authorities reported intercepting 102 air and sea drones. That particular assault caused widespread power outages in southwestern Russia and parts of Crimea, illustrating the ongoing threat that drone warfare poses to civilian infrastructure.

The developments surrounding this recent attack signify the increasing intensity of aerial confrontations between Russia and Ukraine, raising concerns about civilian safety and the broader implications for regional stability.

With rising tensions and frequent cross-border engagements, both nations appear poised for a prolonged confrontation as military tactics continue to evolve.

Source: Business Insider