In a daring escalation, Ukrainian drones once again targeted Moscow, grounding flights and unsettling preparations for the 80th Victory Day Parade in Red Square. The drone strikes mark the third consecutive day of disruption, coinciding with the arrival of key foreign dignitaries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Russia’s flagship airline Aeroflot cancelled over 100 flights in and out of Moscow, while at least 140 flights were delayed, according to aviation data. The disruptions affected over 60,000 passengers nationwide during Russia’s popular holiday travel season.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that nine Ukrainian drones were intercepted near the capital, as air defense systems remained on high alert. The attacks, while not unprecedented, appear coordinated to embarrass the Kremlin and undermine security optics during the symbolic anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II.
“These repeated assaults may unnerve a population told by President Putin that the war in Ukraine is progressing successfully,” analysts noted.
High-Profile Guests Amid Security Tensions
President Xi’s visit marks his third to Russia since the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, further signaling Moscow’s growing reliance on Beijing amid Western sanctions. The Kremlin also confirmed that Putin will visit China later this summer, underlining a strengthening strategic alliance.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned global leaders not to attend the Red Square festivities, stating:
“We cannot take responsibility for what happens on Russian territory. If something happens, it is their security that has failed, not ours.”
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has advised foreign delegations to avoid travel to Moscow, citing the high probability of provocations.
Kyiv Under Fire as Russia Responds
In retaliation, Russia launched a massive overnight strike on Kyiv, firing four ballistic missiles and 142 drones. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted one missile and 11 drones, but debris struck residential buildings in the Shevchenkivskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts, killing at least two people and injuring eight others, including four children.
Fires engulfed apartment blocks, prompting emergency rescues and deepening civilian trauma.
Russian state airline Aeroflot cancelled over 100 flights, while more than 140 flights were delayed as airports across Moscow were repeatedly forced to ground planes. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, nine drones were intercepted by Russian air defense systems near the capital.
These sustained drone attacks, unusual in their intensity, appear strategically timed to undermine the Kremlin’s display of strength during its most symbolic national celebration. Victory Day is not only Russia’s largest secular holiday but also a crucial moment for President Vladimir Putin, who is eager to project confidence and international solidarity amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Security Concerns Amid International Attendance
Tensions were further heightened as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine warned international officials that Kyiv could not guarantee their safety on Russian soil, suggesting Moscow might stage provocations and blame Ukraine.
“We cannot take responsibility for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation,” Zelenskyy stated, advising foreign delegations to avoid visiting Russia during this volatile time.
Mass Disruption for Russian Travelers
The Russian Tour Operators Association reported that over 350 flights were disrupted and 60,000 passengers were affected due to temporary closures in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, and other airports. With early May marking a popular travel period for Russian citizens, the drone assaults have had a significant social and economic impact.
Russia Retaliates: Ballistic Missile Strikes on Kyiv
In retaliation, Russia launched four ballistic missiles and 142 drones across Ukraine overnight. One of the missiles and at least 28 drones entered Kyiv’s airspace, according to Ukrainian authorities. While most were intercepted, debris struck residential areas, killing two and injuring at least eight, including four children. Fires erupted in apartment blocks in the Shevchenkivskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts.
“We are being hit by those who speak of peace,” said a spokesperson for the Kyiv City Military Administration.
China-Russia Axis Tightens
Xi’s visit marks his third since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His arrival is a clear signal of Beijing’s continued support for Putin, even as Russia becomes increasingly isolated from the West. The Kremlin also confirmed that Putin will visit China later this year, further cementing the growing dependency of Moscow on Beijing in the face of Western sanctions.
