In the latest escalation of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian authorities reported a significant Ukrainian drone assault that caused major disruptions at two of Moscow’s key airports—Vnukovo and Zhukovsky. The attacks, which unfolded late Tuesday and continued into early Wednesday, forced the suspension of flights as Moscow’s airspace faced unprecedented security challenges.
The Russian Ministry of Defence announced via its official Telegram channel that a total of 112 Ukrainian drones had been intercepted and destroyed across six Russian regions in the three hours leading up to midnight. Moscow itself was a prime target, with the city’s mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirming on Telegram that 12 drones en route to the capital were shot down by air defenses.
The Federal Aviation Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) subsequently imposed restrictions on flights from Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports, citing security concerns amid ongoing air defense operations. These measures contributed to significant disruptions in Moscow’s air traffic.
The southwestern Russian region of Bryansk bore the brunt of the attack, with 59 drones targeted there. Additional strikes occurred in Kursk, Belgorod, Tula, Oryol, and Kaluga regions—areas close to the Russian-Ukrainian border that have been frequent sites of cross-border hostilities.
This wave of drone attacks coincides with Ukraine reporting what it describes as the most intense three days of Russian drone assaults since Moscow initiated its military campaign in 2022. According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, Russia launched over 900 drones during the three days leading up to Monday, marking a significant intensification of hostilities.
The deployment of drones by both sides has become a defining feature of the conflict, with Russia and Ukraine frequently accusing each other of targeting civilian and strategic infrastructure using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Russian Defence Ministry’s claims of intercepting large numbers of drones reflect the scale and sophistication of these attacks.
While Moscow, located several hundred kilometers from the frontline, has historically seen fewer direct strikes, recent weeks have witnessed an increase in drone incursions forcing flight diversions and heightening security protocols in the capital’s airspace.
According to official reports, this incident ranks among the most severe in terms of scale and proximity to Moscow, signaling a new phase in the conflict’s technological and tactical evolution.
The humanitarian toll has been substantial. On Sunday, thirteen civilians were reported killed in Russian drone attacks, including three children, underscoring the persistent threat to non-combatants amid ongoing hostilities. The escalation has drawn international attention, with calls from global bodies for the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has repeatedly highlighted the need for conflict parties to respect civilian safety and ensure humanitarian access in affected regions.
In response to the Ukrainian drone offensive, Russia’s Defence Ministry declared that Moscow had launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. This tit-for-tat dynamic is emblematic of the broader strategic impasse that has characterized the conflict since its inception.
The disruption at Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports has had cascading effects on domestic and international air travel. Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) is actively coordinating with military air defense units to secure airspace and ensure passenger safety.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining secure and safe airspace in conflict zones and has provided guidelines for managing disruptions caused by hostilities.
The drone attacks near Moscow represent a significant escalation that may impact diplomatic and security calculations at the international level. Governments worldwide continue to monitor the situation closely, balancing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty with efforts to avoid broader conflict escalation.
The U.S. Department of State and the European Union have issued travel advisories reflecting the evolving security environment in Russia and Ukraine.
The recent Ukrainian drone assault disrupting Moscow’s airports and the ensuing Russian counterstrikes underscore the intensifying technological and tactical dimensions of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2025. With critical infrastructure targeted and civilian casualties mounting, the humanitarian and security stakes remain alarmingly high.
As airspace restrictions and military engagements continue, Moscow faces increasing pressure to bolster its defenses and adapt to the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems. Meanwhile, international actors advocate for restraint and dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.
For ongoing updates on conflict developments and travel security advisories, stakeholders are encouraged to consult official government and international agency websites regularly.
Source: ndtv
