Increased Tensions: Drone Attack Disrupts Air Traffic in Moscow
Moscow has once again found itself under the threat of drone attacks, leading to a significant disruption in air traffic on Sunday morning. Reports from Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency indicate that at least two busy airports serving the Russian capital, Domodedovo International Airport and Zhukovsky International Airport, halted operations after drones targeting the city were intercepted by Russian air defense systems. There were indications that Vnukovo Airport was also affected.
Moscow's Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, initially reported the downing of two drones over the Ramenskoye district, but subsequent updates suggested a more alarming figure—22 drones reportedly shot down by air defenses. Mayor Sobyanin attributed these drones to Ukrainian forces, although Ukraine has yet to respond to these claims.
The extent of damage from the attack remains uncertain. Russian media outlet Kommersant noted that there are reports of two houses ablaze in the Ramenskoye area, hinting at potential collateral damage from the drone interception.
This incident is not Ukraine's first attempt at drone attacks on Moscow; however, if the mayor's claims are verified, this could mark the most extensive drone assault on the Russian capital to date. The largest previous attack occurred in September, during which Russian air defenses claimed to have downed 20 Ukrainian drones amidst disturbances to aviation operations.
As the conflict continues to escalate, both air and ground defenses remain on high alert, indicating that tensions between Russia and Ukraine show no signs of abating. The implications of this latest drone attack are significant, both for the residents of Moscow and the ongoing geopolitical strife between these two nations.
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