Moscow Airports Shut After Drone Interceptions as Russia-Ukraine Strikes Intensify

All four major international airports in Moscow were temporarily shut after Russian air defence systems intercepted multiple Ukrainian drones approaching the capital. Authorities imposed flight restrictions at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports due to safety concerns.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said air defences intercepted several unmanned aerial vehicles heading toward the city, bringing the total number of drones shot down to 11 within about an hour.

Russia’s civil aviation authorities stated that operations would resume once the security situation stabilised.

Drone Warfare Intensifies in Prolonged Conflict

As the Russia-Ukraine War approaches its fourth year, drone and missile strikes have become a central tactic for both sides. Moscow has reported repeated drone incursions targeting multiple regions, including the capital.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces destroyed dozens of Ukrainian drones overnight.

Ukraine Reports Missile and Drone Barrage

Ukraine reported fresh aerial attacks across several regions. Emergency services said one person was killed in the Kyiv region following overnight missile and drone strikes.

Rescue teams pulled survivors, including a child, from debris after buildings were damaged. Fires and structural destruction were reported across multiple districts in Kyiv’s suburbs.

Authorities also reported strikes on energy infrastructure in the southern Odesa region, triggering major fires that were later contained.

Ukrainian Air Defence Response

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched hundreds of aerial weapons overnight, including drones and missiles. According to official figures:

• Hundreds of drones were deployed

• Dozens of missiles were launched

• Many aerial threats were intercepted

• Some strikes hit infrastructure and residential areas

Officials confirmed damage at multiple locations despite defensive interceptions.

Explosion in Lviv and Oil Depot Strike in Luhansk

In western Ukraine, an explosion in the city of Lviv killed one person and injured 25 others. Ukrainian authorities said the incident was unrelated to the aerial assault and one suspect has been detained.

Meanwhile, in the Russian-occupied city of Luhansk, local authorities reported that two Ukrainian drones struck an oil depot, injuring a security guard and igniting a fuel tank.

Aviation Disruptions and Civilian Risk

The temporary closure of Moscow’s airports highlights the growing risk drone warfare poses to civilian infrastructure and aviation safety. Flight suspensions and diversions have become increasingly common amid heightened aerial threats.

As cross-border strikes continue, civilians on both sides face increasing risks from attacks on infrastructure and residential areas.

Conflict Shows No Signs of De-escalation

With drone warfare escalating and critical infrastructure increasingly targeted, the conflict remains volatile. Military operations continue across multiple fronts, and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions have yet to produce a breakthrough.

The intensifying exchange of aerial attacks underscores the evolving nature of modern warfare and the ongoing humanitarian risks in the region.