Major disruptions hit Moscow's airports as Ukrainian drone strikes prompted the cancellation and diversion of numerous flights. As Ukraine and Russia continue to endure a prolonged conflict, both sides report casualties from recent military actions.
Moscow Airports Disrupted Again Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
Moscow Airports Disrupted Again Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
Ukrainian drone attacks lead to temporary shutdown of major airports in Moscow, affecting hundreds of flights.
Moscow's major airports faced significant disruptions following a series of drone attacks from Ukraine, leading to the cancellation of at least 140 flights, according to officials. The Russian defense ministry reported that over 230 Ukrainian drones were intercepted, with 27 thwarted over the capital. The transient closure of the four main airports servicing Moscow lasted just hours, after which operations resumed.
The latest escalation included an unprecedented closing of Moscow airports 10 times within a 24-hour span, as noted by Russia's Association of Tour Operators (Ator). The Kaluga region, located to the southwest of Moscow, was also heavily impacted, with Kaluga International Airport shut down after 45 drones were intercepted. Aside from Moscow, drones were reported downed across Russian territory including the Rostov, Bryansk regions, and the Black Sea, without any fatalities though some areas experienced considerable damage.
Current events indicate the ongoing conflict's toll on civilian life, with Ukrainian officials confirming casualties linked to Russian airstrikes in the Donetsk area. Reports say two lives were lost from these strikes, with Russian attacks extending their reach to Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions as well.
Moving towards potential peace talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated President Vladimir Putin is eager to pursue negotiations, although achieving objectives remains the primary focus. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed renewed discussions with Moscow to rekindle peace efforts that ceased last month. Zelensky reiterated his openness for high-level meetings with Putin, emphasizing the necessity for direct dialogue to solidify peace.
As international dynamics shift, the situation within Ukraine sees a potential shift in support with promises from U.S. President Donald Trump to supply advanced weaponry to Ukraine via NATO allies. Trump further threatened Russia with severe tariffs if conflict resolution fails within a defined timeframe while expressing frustration with Putin's actions.
These recent developments underscore the relentless cycle of violence and the pursuit of peace amid an ongoing crisis that has persisted for nearly three-and-a-half years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
