Moscow, Russia. Russia said Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Moscow over the weekend involving about 250 drones, most of which were shot down by air defences before reaching the city. Moscow’s main airports briefly imposed flight restrictions that were later lifted.
Air defences and official statements
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram that air defence forces destroyed about 250 enemy UAVs over the past two days on approaches to Moscow and on a second defensive line toward the city. He said the drones were intercepted in wave after wave on their way to the city.
Airport restrictions and reported impact
Russia’s aviation watchdog said Moscow’s main airports imposed flight restrictions during the attack, though the limits were later lifted. There were no reported casualties, and Sobyanin thanked the Russian armed forces for their work.
Context of drone warfare and conflict
The war in Ukraine and the war involving Iran have highlighted the effectiveness of relatively inexpensive drones used to strike distant targets, including oil infrastructure and population centres, at a fraction of the cost of fighter jets. Russia has attacked Ukraine with artillery and drones, while Ukraine has conducted strikes deep inside Russia using sabotage groups and drones, including attacks on oil refineries and pipelines and incidents that killed Russian generals.
Population and Ukrainian response
Moscow and the surrounding Moscow region have a population of about 22 million. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine.
How do you think the reported scale of the drone attack could affect security measures around Moscow?
