Ukraine launched overnight drone attacks on Moscow, shutting down airports and raising tensions just days before Russia’s planned Victory Day ceasefire.
Ukraine has launched a second successive night of drone attacks on Moscow, forcing the temporary shutdown of major airports in the Russian capital. Though no casualties have been confirmed, air traffic was significantly disrupted for several hours before operations resumed.
Russia’s defence ministry claims its forces intercepted multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the city and surrounding areas during the early hours. While debris caused minor damage to property, no major injuries were reported.
The fresh wave of attacks comes just days before a Russian-announced ceasefire, scheduled to begin on 8 May and run through to 11 May. The truce aligns with Victory Day celebrations, a cornerstone of Russian national pride commemorating the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in 1945.
The aerial threats led to the closure of all four major airports—Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky. Flights were grounded or diverted, creating widespread delays and confusion for travellers. Operations have since resumed, but the alert level remains high.
Ukraine’s drone operations have become increasingly bold and frequent, reflecting a strategic effort to rattle the Kremlin and bring the war closer to home for ordinary Russians. Below is a brief overview of previous incidents:
| Date | Incident | Casualties |
|---|---|---|
| 30 July 2023 | Drones hit two Moscow office buildings; Vnukovo Airport was disrupted. | None reported |
| 1 August 2023 | Drone targeted a federal office tower for the second time in three days. | None reported |
| 10 November 2024 | Largest drone attack to date; 32 UAVs launched. | 1 injured |
| 11 March 2025 | Major strike; three killed, 17 injured. Airports are temporarily closed. | 3 dead, 17 injured |
Russia’s decision to declare a short-term ceasefire has been met with scepticism. While some view it as a symbolic gesture tied to historic commemorations, others argue it’s an attempt to mask the ongoing violence.
President Zelensky has remained silent on the recent drone activity but previously dismissed Russia’s ceasefire proposal as insincere. The United States has called for a 30-day halt in hostilities—an idea Ukraine appears more open to, though concrete plans have yet to emerge.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to pound Ukrainian cities. In Odesa, at least one person was killed in a recent missile strike. Reports from Kharkiv confirm further aerial bombardment, adding to the already rising civilian toll.
As the war grinds on, Ukraine’s latest drone strikes highlight its growing tactical reach and psychological warfare. Moscow is no longer immune to the conflict it helped start. With both sides trading blows and a temporary truce looming, the next few days will test whether diplomacy can take root—or whether escalation will once again win the day.
