Ukraine has launched another wave of drone strikes into Russian territory, forcing the temporary shutdown of all four major Moscow airports in a dramatic escalation of its long-range warfare tactics. This marks the fourth night in a row that airspace over Russia’s capital has been targeted, with dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles intercepted by Russian air defenses.
The latest barrage led to widespread disruptions. Over 130 flights were delayed, canceled, or rerouted as Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky airports halted operations. Explosions were reported near Zelenograd, northwest of central Moscow, damaging infrastructure and causing panic among residents.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed it had intercepted the majority of the drones, but some wreckage reportedly fell in populated areas. Ukraine has not formally taken responsibility, in line with its usual strategic ambiguity, but officials have hinted at the growing reach of its drone capabilities.
The offensive appears to be part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to disrupt logistics, communications, and civilian infrastructure in Russia’s heartland. Alongside the drone strikes, a sabotage group linked to Ukraine reportedly attacked railway systems in Tula Oblast, targeting military supply routes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his openness to peace talks, proposing direct leadership negotiations and prisoner swaps. However, the continuing attacks underscore the country’s determination to exert pressure through unconventional warfare while resisting Russian advances on the battlefield.
Russia, on its part, has vowed to strengthen its aerial defenses and prepare for counteroffensives. There are also reports of strategic coordination with foreign allies to develop advanced drone technologies in response.
As drone warfare becomes a central feature of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, civilians and global aviation networks are increasingly affected. The latest attacks serve as a stark reminder that the war, now in its third year, is evolving in both intensity and reach.