Recent Ukrainian drone strikes have forced the cancellation and delay of hundreds of flights across multiple Russian airports, stranding about 60,000 passengers. As Russia prepares for a wartime parade, Kyiv's military response has intensified.
Ukrainian Drone Attacks Leave 60,000 Passengers Stranded in Russia
Ukrainian Drone Attacks Leave 60,000 Passengers Stranded in Russia
A significant drone assault near Moscow disrupts air travel for tens of thousands, coinciding with ongoing tensions over ceasefire negotiations.
The article text:
At least 60,000 air passengers have found themselves stranded at airports throughout Russia due to a large-scale drone assault attributed to Ukraine, according to local authorities. The Russian Association of Tour Operators (Ator) has reported that around 350 flights have been impacted since Tuesday evening across major cities such as Moscow, St Petersburg, and Sochi.
In a statement, Russia's defense ministry claimed that it had destroyed 524 Ukrainian drones in the past day, marking a record if verified. Despite the chaos, no casualties have been reported from the air traffic disruptions. Meanwhile, Ukraine announced a recent Russian drone and missile strike that tragically killed two individuals in Kyiv, contradicting the supposed start of a Russian ceasefire coinciding with upcoming World War II commemorations.
Ukrainian authorities have consistently dismissed the Russian truce as a "theatrical play," urging for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire supported by its European and U.S. allies. The Kremlin's conditions for negotiations have been met with skepticism and labeled as maneuvers to lengthen the conflict.
U.S. Vice-President JD Vance commented on the situation, indicating that Russia's terms may be overly demanding. "We think they [Russians] are asking for too much," he remarked, stressing the necessity for dialogue between the two nations while attempting to maintain a united front with European allies.
Airports in Moscow, including Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, and Domodedovo, reported extensive disruptions, with 110 flights canceled in the capital alone. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that 19 drones were intercepted near the city following the attacks. Similar conditions were reported in St Petersburg, where 55 flights were either canceled or delayed, leading to chaotic scenes at airports like Pulkovo.
The aviation crisis coincides with the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow for a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. Reports indicated that Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic had to divert his flight to Baku due to the ongoing drone threats. Tensions continued as two Baltic nations refused airspace access to Vucic, highlighting ongoing regional hostilities.
Complaints arose from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico regarding Estonia's denial of air passage for his arrival in Moscow. The Tallinn government has explicitly stated its non-support for the Moscow parade, branding it as a propaganda spectacle.
As the celebrated World War II Victory Day approaches, Russia is expected to host 27 world leaders, with several attendees already arriving. Meanwhile, the conflict persists, with Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 resulting in Russia's control of roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory.
During a recent address, Vice-President Vance expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential for negotiations to end hostilities, suggesting the importance of setting basic discussion frameworks. Amid these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed for renewed pressure on Russia following the drone attack in Kyiv.
The war remains a contentious subject as Ukraine confirms it cannot guarantee the safety of individuals attending events in Moscow, hinting at possible provocations organized by the Kremlin. Furthermore, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned any foreign military presence at the upcoming events, signaling increased tension surrounding the outcome of the ongoing strife.
As Victory Day approaches, the conflicted narratives surrounding the holiday continue to polarize opinions, with Ukraine and Europe marking an alternate observance on Thursday.
At least 60,000 air passengers have found themselves stranded at airports throughout Russia due to a large-scale drone assault attributed to Ukraine, according to local authorities. The Russian Association of Tour Operators (Ator) has reported that around 350 flights have been impacted since Tuesday evening across major cities such as Moscow, St Petersburg, and Sochi.
In a statement, Russia's defense ministry claimed that it had destroyed 524 Ukrainian drones in the past day, marking a record if verified. Despite the chaos, no casualties have been reported from the air traffic disruptions. Meanwhile, Ukraine announced a recent Russian drone and missile strike that tragically killed two individuals in Kyiv, contradicting the supposed start of a Russian ceasefire coinciding with upcoming World War II commemorations.
Ukrainian authorities have consistently dismissed the Russian truce as a "theatrical play," urging for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire supported by its European and U.S. allies. The Kremlin's conditions for negotiations have been met with skepticism and labeled as maneuvers to lengthen the conflict.
U.S. Vice-President JD Vance commented on the situation, indicating that Russia's terms may be overly demanding. "We think they [Russians] are asking for too much," he remarked, stressing the necessity for dialogue between the two nations while attempting to maintain a united front with European allies.
Airports in Moscow, including Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, and Domodedovo, reported extensive disruptions, with 110 flights canceled in the capital alone. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that 19 drones were intercepted near the city following the attacks. Similar conditions were reported in St Petersburg, where 55 flights were either canceled or delayed, leading to chaotic scenes at airports like Pulkovo.
The aviation crisis coincides with the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow for a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. Reports indicated that Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic had to divert his flight to Baku due to the ongoing drone threats. Tensions continued as two Baltic nations refused airspace access to Vucic, highlighting ongoing regional hostilities.
Complaints arose from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico regarding Estonia's denial of air passage for his arrival in Moscow. The Tallinn government has explicitly stated its non-support for the Moscow parade, branding it as a propaganda spectacle.
As the celebrated World War II Victory Day approaches, Russia is expected to host 27 world leaders, with several attendees already arriving. Meanwhile, the conflict persists, with Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 resulting in Russia's control of roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory.
During a recent address, Vice-President Vance expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential for negotiations to end hostilities, suggesting the importance of setting basic discussion frameworks. Amid these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed for renewed pressure on Russia following the drone attack in Kyiv.
The war remains a contentious subject as Ukraine confirms it cannot guarantee the safety of individuals attending events in Moscow, hinting at possible provocations organized by the Kremlin. Furthermore, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned any foreign military presence at the upcoming events, signaling increased tension surrounding the outcome of the ongoing strife.
As Victory Day approaches, the conflicted narratives surrounding the holiday continue to polarize opinions, with Ukraine and Europe marking an alternate observance on Thursday.
