The attack disrupted operations at ten airports, including four in Moscow, just days before Putin’s flagship military celebration in Red Square.
In one of the most extensive aerial attacks since the war began, Ukraine launched over 100 drones into Russian territory early Tuesday, striking eleven regions and forcing major disruptions to civilian air travel, including in Moscow.
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that 105 drones were intercepted, with 19 shot down near the capital. The offensive, which occurred just 48 hours before the country’s Victory Day celebrations, prompted the closure of ten airports and interruptions to mobile networks south of Moscow.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that air defense systems had downed at least two drones headed for the city. Emergency teams were dispatched to the impact sites.
Kaluga, Tula, and the Moscow region were among the most affected, with additional drones intercepted in six regions approaching the capital. Russia’s civil aviation agency, Rossaviatsia, announced precautionary closures across key airports.
The attack comes in the lead-up to the May 9 Victory Day parade on Red Square, a cornerstone of Kremlin wartime narrative and propaganda. This year’s event marks the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, with 29 foreign leaders set to attend, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Security in Moscow has been significantly tightened. Authorities have banned scooters, pets, and even electronic cigarettes from the event area. City streets are adorned with patriotic colors, and stores display messages commemorating the 1945 victory.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said that military formations from 13 countries would march in the parade, including troops from China, Egypt, Myanmar, Vietnam, and former Soviet republics. Leaders from Iraq, Indonesia, Congo, Ethiopia, and Guinea Equatorial are also expected to be present.
Since its invasion began in February 2022, Russia has seized roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory. The Kremlin justifies its actions as a campaign to “denazify” Ukraine, drawing heavily on Soviet World War II imagery.
As attacks intensify, so too has domestic repression in Russia. The government has criminalized criticism of the military and imprisoned hundreds for protesting the war, prompting thousands to flee the country.
Ukraine has condemned Russia’s May 9 commemorations, stating they have no connection to the historical defeat of Nazism. It warned that any foreign military participation in the parade amounts to complicity in Russia’s war.
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