Russia is scrambling to secure its airspace and digital infrastructure as a record-breaking wave of Ukrainian drone attacks disrupts airports, injures civilians, and forces internet shutdowns across multiple regions.
At a Glance
- Russia claims to have intercepted more than 370 Ukrainian drones in 72 hours, including at least 35 over Moscow.
- All four major airports in Moscow were shut down temporarily, stranding thousands of passengers.
- Mobile internet access was restricted in multiple regions, including Tula and Kursk, to disrupt drone navigation.
- Civilians were injured by drone debris in Tula and Kursk, and an apartment building sustained damage.
- The attacks occurred shortly after a Trump-Putin phone call regarding potential peace negotiations.
Drone Barrage Grounds Moscow Flights
In what officials are calling one of the most sustained drone offensives since the start of the war, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting over 370 Ukrainian drones within 72 hours. At least 35 of these were shot down over Moscow, forcing the temporary closure of Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky airports, according to Reuters.
The closures caused massive delays and cancellations, leaving thousands of travelers stranded in terminals, highlighting how Ukraine’s drone program has disrupted civilian life and exposed flaws in Russia’s air defense network.
Moscow Pulls the Plug on Mobile Internet
To counter the attacks, Russian authorities imposed mobile internet restrictions in several regions, citing concerns that drones rely on mobile data or GPS for navigation. As detailed in Euromaidan Press, the government claimed the move was necessary to ensure safety, though critics argue it’s an attempt to suppress news of the military’s failure to prevent the attacks.
Governor Andrei Klychkov of Oryol Region acknowledged, “This is not an easy decision, but it is necessary,” echoing similar statements from officials in other regions affected by the blackouts.
Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
Beyond military and logistical targets, the drones have also impacted civilian areas. In Tula, falling debris from intercepted drones injured two civilians and damaged a residential building, according to The Moscow Times. In the Kursk region, a local official was also injured in a similar incident.
These injuries have intensified public frustration with the Russian government’s handling of air defense, particularly in regions not directly adjacent to Ukraine, suggesting the drone threat is becoming more geographically widespread.
Political Context: The Trump-Putin Call
The timing of the attacks is notable, coming just days after a phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin about the potential revival of peace talks. While details of the conversation remain undisclosed, the drone wave may signal Ukraine’s unwillingness to accept negotiations under pressure and its intent to maintain military momentum, as reported by the Times of India.
The unprecedented scale of the aerial assault and the resulting chaos suggest a turning point in the conflict—one in which Ukrainian technological adaptation is beginning to challenge traditional military power structures and civilian resilience is being tested in Russia’s own backyard.
