Moscow Airports Shut Down Amid Intense Ukrainian Drone Assaults

A series of drone attacks from Ukraine has led to the temporary closure of major airports in Moscow, forcing the cancellation of over 140 flights and raising alarms regarding the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

Moscow's airports faced significant interruptions due to a sustained Ukrainian drone assault, resulting in the cancellation of at least 140 flights. The Russian defense ministry reported that over 230 Ukrainian drones had been intercepted across the country, including 27 in the capital. Following the disruptions, operations at the four main airports in Moscow have returned to normal. Notably, the Kaluga region, located southwest of Moscow, experienced similar issues when the ministry claimed to have downed 45 drones, prompting temporary closures at Kaluga International Airport as well.

Russian air strikes in Ukraine have also escalated, with reports indicating multiple casualties, including three deaths from attacks in different regions. Regional officials reported two fatalities attributed to air strikes in Donetsk, and a third victim, a 78-year-old woman, died amid fires in Sumy. Moreover, Ukraine’s air force managed to shoot down 18 out of 57 Russian drones during a counter-offensive operation.

These drone attacks are not unprecedented; similar incidents in May stranded 60,000 passengers, as Ukraine launched a massive drone barrage. The Kremlin has remained firm, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating President Vladimir Putin’s readiness to pursue peace talks, albeit emphasizing Russia's strategic objectives.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also expressed a willingness to engage in negotiations. With the support of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has recently pledged advanced weaponry to Ukraine and threatened Russia with tariffs, the situation remains precarious. Trump's remarks on negotiations were met with a cold reception in Moscow, underscoring the complexity surrounding any potential ceasefire agreements.

As hostilities continue, both sides remain entrenched, and the civilian toll, particularly in frontline regions like Donetsk and Kharkiv, continues to mount. The international community watches closely, hopeful yet skeptical about the prospects for peace in this ongoing conflict.