- Russia reports 19 Ukrainian drones intercepted over Moscow; airports temporarily shut.
- Drone debris causes minor damage in Moscow; no casualties reported.
- Ukraine silent on latest strikes; Russia proposes ceasefire ahead of Victory Day.
Russia claims it thwarted a second consecutive overnight drone attack by Ukraine. At least 19 drones were intercepted before reaching Moscow. The assault prompted the closure of all major airports in the capital for several hours, though operations later resumed.
Beyond the capital, regions like Voronezh, Penza, and Kursk also came under drone fire. The governor of Kursk said transformer stations were hit, resulting in local power outages.
Escalating Drone Warfare as Russia and Ukraine Trade Strikes Amid Ceasefire Talks
Russia’s aviation authority confirmed all four of Moscow’s primary airports were shut for several hours overnight. This was done to ensure air safety. This marks the second time in 48 hours that Ukrainian drone activity has disrupted civilian airspace in the Russian capital. It highlights a strategic escalation in Kyiv’s cross-border capabilities.
The timing of the attack is significant, coming just ahead of Moscow’s 80th Victory Day celebrations. In response, President Vladimir Putin declared a unilateral ceasefire from May 8–11. He framed this gesture as a mark of respect for wartime sacrifices. The Kremlin stated it remains open to talks but warned of consequences if Kyiv violates the truce.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed the short-term ceasefire as ineffective. Instead, he called for a broader, 30-day truce in line with a U.S.-backed proposal. Ukraine has maintained that its drone campaigns aim to disrupt Russia’s war infrastructure and retaliate against ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities and power grids.
Social media channels connected to Russian security services reported physical damage to civilian property in Moscow, such as shattered windows in residential complexes. However, there have been no confirmed injuries. The continued exchange of drone fire underscores the intensifying nature of the air war despite diplomatic overtures.
As both sides escalate drone strikes despite ceasefire proposals, the conflict appears locked in a dangerous cycle. Diplomacy remains overshadowed by retaliation.
“If you want peace, prepare for war.” – Vegetius
