Air traffic at several airports in Moscow was temporarily suspended after Ukraine carried out its largest drone attack to date on the Russian capital. According to Russian officials, at least 91 drones were deployed, resulting in at least one fatality.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that a total of 337 Ukrainian drones were shot down over Russian territory, including 91 in the Moscow region and 126 in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops have partially withdrawn. The attack occurred as a Ukrainian delegation was preparing to meet with a U.S. team in Saudi Arabia to explore potential peace negotiations.
The Russian aviation authority reported that all four major airports in Moscow were temporarily closed to ensure airspace safety. Airports in the Yaroslavl and Nizhny Novgorod regions, located east of Moscow, were also affected by restrictions. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated on Telegram that multiple drones were shot down in the Moscow region, describing the attack as ‘the largest enemy drone attack on Moscow.’ Despite the assault, daily life in central Moscow largely continued without signs of panic.
Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov confirmed that one person was killed and three others were injured in the attack. In the Ramenskoye district, about 50 kilometers southeast of the Kremlin, some residents were forced to evacuate a high-rise building due to damage caused by the attack. Such disruptions to air traffic have become increasingly common at Russian airports due to drone attacks, which Moscow claims originate from Ukraine. The use of Russian air defense systems can sometimes make takeoffs and landings more difficult.
Ukraine has been defending itself against the Russian invasion for more than three years, with support from Western nations. As part of this struggle, Ukraine regularly carries out attacks on Russian targets.