A wave of Ukrainian drone strikes forced the closure of Moscow’s major airports, causing widespread travel disruptions just as Chinese President Xi Jinping was set to arrive for Victory Day celebrations.
Escalation in Drone Warfare
The attacks, part of Ukraine’s ongoing military strategy, targeted key infrastructure, including Kubinka military airfield, which houses Russian fighter jets and aerobatic teams. Moscow’s Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, and Domodedovo airports were among those affected, with hundreds of flights delayed or canceled.
Strategic Timing
Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia comes at a crucial diplomatic moment, as President Vladimir Putin seeks to showcase international support amid the ongoing war. The timing of the drone strikes appears to be a deliberate effort to disrupt Victory Day preparations, a major annual event commemorating Russia’s victory over Nazi Germany.
Russian Response
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that Russian air defense units intercepted multiple drones, but reports indicate significant disruptions across the city. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have destroyed over 500 drones in the past 24 hours.
Diplomatic Implications
Xi Jinping’s arrival underscores China’s strategic partnership with Russia, with economic and military agreements expected during his visit. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s intensified drone campaign signals a new phase in the conflict, raising concerns about escalation and retaliation.
As Moscow grapples with the fallout from the strikes, the world watches closely to see how Russia, China, and Ukraine navigate this high-stakes geopolitical moment.
Ukrainian Drone Picture on lubesngreases.com by Simon Johns
