Moscow, Russia – The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that it had shot down 287 Ukrainian drones overnight.
This was the largest drone attack since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war four years ago.
The ministry said 32 drones were headed towards Moscow
before being intercepted by air defenses.
Flight cancellations and delays at Moscow airports
The widespread attack prompted the Federal Air Transport Agency “Rosaviasiya”
to impose temporary restrictions on air traffic.
This applies to the capital’s four airports: Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky.
The restrictions resulted in the cancellation and postponement of dozens of flights,
and the diversion of some to alternative airports.
Amidst a large crowd inside the departure lounges.
Escalation of drone attacks
The attack coincided with Ukraine submitting an updated military plan
to the United States, according to senior Ukrainian officials.
Ukraine has been subjected to almost daily Russian airstrikes since February 2022.
Meanwhile, Kyiv intensifies its drone strikes inside Russia,
targeting military installations and energy facilities.
The drone war is expanding
Observers believe the latest attack reflects a shift in the conflict towards
a phase that relies more heavily on drone warfare.
With the escalation of mutual targeting operations
and the development of technical capabilities on both sides.
