Ukrainian drones were downed in a massive overnight attack on Moscow

Russia’s Ministry of Defense said its air defenses shot down or intercepted 105 Ukrainian drones overnight across 11 regions, including 19 over the Moscow region, in what appeared to be one of the largest coordinated drone attacks on Russian territory.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said debris from one downed drone fell near Kashirskoye Highway. There were no casualties, but shockwaves shattered windows in residential buildings and shops.

Reports from Russian media and Telegram channels indicated explosions and air defense activity in multiple areas near the capital, including Fryazino, Kubinka, Ramenskoye, and Shchyolkovo.

All four of Moscow’s major airports — Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky — were temporarily closed overnight. Additional restrictions were imposed at airports in Kazan, Volgograd, Samara, and Nizhny Novgorod.

Mobile internet services were temporarily shut down in several cities, including Tula, Yaroslavl, Vladimir, and Saransk, amid increased security measures.

Regional governors in Voronezh and Penza said 18 and 10 drones, respectively, were downed in their areas, with no reported injuries. In the Moscow region, one drone reportedly struck a residential building.

At least 20 flights were canceled or diverted. Planes en route from Istanbul and Dubai were rerouted to alternative airports including Kazan, St. Petersburg, Makhachkala, and Mineralnye Vody. Passengers reported long delays and being held onboard.

The Ministry of Defense said the attack was repelled and additional forces were deployed to secure Moscow ahead of the May 9 Victory Day parade.

N.Tebrizli