Russia temporarily suspended operations at all four major airports serving Moscow on Monday after air defence systems intercepted dozens of drones reportedly targeting the capital, officials said.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that Russian air defence units shot down 59 unmanned aerial vehicles approaching the city. The interceptions prompted authorities to activate emergency aviation protocols, leading to the temporary closure of Moscow’s airports to ensure passenger safety and prevent potential disruptions to air traffic.
Russia’s aviation watchdog confirmed that airport operations were briefly halted before services gradually resumed once the immediate threat had passed. No major damage or casualties were reported in Moscow as a result of the drone attack.
The incident comes amid an ongoing escalation in aerial warfare between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides increasingly relying on drones and long-range strikes to target military and infrastructure assets.
The latest drone scare followed a Russian missile strike on Ukraine’s southern Odesa region on Sunday evening. According to Ukrainian officials, an Iskander ballistic missile struck an agricultural facility in the Odesa district, killing one person and injuring three others.
Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said the attack sparked fires in vehicles and fuel storage tanks, prompting emergency services to launch firefighting and rescue operations. Authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage caused by the strike.
The exchange of attacks underscores the continuing intensity of the conflict, with both countries reporting frequent drone interceptions, missile strikes, and cross-border assaults. The temporary shutdown of Moscow’s airports highlights the growing impact of the war on civilian infrastructure and transportation networks far from the front lines.
As tensions remain high, security agencies on both sides continue to bolster air defence measures amid concerns that such attacks could become more frequent and widespread.
