According to the Russian defense ministry, Ukraine launched a drone attack on Moscow, resulting in the diversion of flights from Vnukovo International Airport. The attack, which took place on Tuesday, involved five drones that targeted not only the capital but also surrounding areas. Fortunately, all drones were successfully shot down, and no casualties or damages were reported. Despite the incident, Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the alleged attack.
As a consequence of the drone attack, Vnukovo airport faced restrictions that have now been lifted. Flights originating from Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt were among those affected. The defense ministry revealed that four of the drones were intercepted and shot down by air defense systems, while the fifth was electronically intercepted before crashing.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the incident, describing it as a "new terrorist act" perpetrated by the Kyiv regime. She emphasized the alarming nature of the attack on a zone with civil infrastructure, including an international airport.
Russian state media reported that one of the drones crashed in Kubinka, a town approximately 36km (22 miles) southwest of Vnukovo airport. Another drone was allegedly shot down near the village of Valuevo, also in close proximity to the airport. The BBC is currently seeking independent verification of these details.
This is not the first instance of a drone attack targeting Moscow. In May, Russia's defense ministry confirmed that minor damage was caused by at least eight drones. However, this recent incident marks the first time multiple drones have targeted the city since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It follows Moscow's accusation that Kyiv was responsible for a drone attack on the Kremlin, an allegation that Ukraine vehemently denies.
In a separate incident, the death toll resulting from a Russian drone attack on Sumy, a northern Ukrainian city, has risen to three, as confirmed by the local mayor. Several others were injured in the attack, which occurred on Monday.