Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Moscow for Second Consecutive Night, Disrupting Air Travel

 Moscow came under renewed aerial threat overnight as Ukrainian drones targeted the Russian capital for a second consecutive evening, prompting a temporary suspension of operations at all four major airports serving the city, according to Russia’s defence ministry.

The attacks precede commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during the Second World War, set to take place this week. President Vladimir Putin had proposed a three-day ceasefire from 8–10 May to coincide with the historic occasion. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the suggestion, calling it inadequate in comparison to the U.S.-backed proposal for a broader, 30-day cessation of hostilities—an initiative the Kremlin has thus far ignored.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that at least 19 drones approached the capital "from different directions." Local pro-government media channels—Baza, Mash, and Shot—reported that one drone struck a residential building in the city’s southern districts, shattering windows and damaging property along a major thoroughfare. No injuries were reported, and emergency response teams were dispatched to the affected areas.

In Russia’s southwest, the governor of Voronezh region reported that 18 additional drones had been detected overnight. The strikes come amid heightened tensions as Ukrainian forces reportedly continue limited operations inside Russian territory.

Russia’s federal aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, implemented temporary flight restrictions at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky airports. Similar measures were imposed at airports in several regional cities.

The Russian Ministry of Defence later stated that four drones were intercepted and destroyed on approach to Moscow. As with previous incidents, officials attributed any reported damage to falling debris from intercepted drones. Kyiv has not issued an official comment regarding the overnight raids.

Ukrainian officials have consistently described drone attacks on Russian territory as strategic responses to ongoing missile strikes on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure. They argue that such operations are intended to degrade Moscow’s warfighting capabilities and disrupt logistics.

In March, Ukraine launched its most extensive drone operation to date, directing 91 drones toward the Moscow region. That wave resulted in three fatalities and disrupted transportation networks across the capital. Russia’s defence ministry claimed that more than 330 drones were involved in that single offensive.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military said its forces have remained engaged in combat within Russia’s Kursk region. Despite Russian assertions that a Ukrainian incursion had been repelled, Ukrainian command reports continued operations, including defensive engagements and incoming fire from Russian artillery and air-dropped munitions.

In Washington, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence sharply criticised Donald Trump’s stance on the conflict, warning that wavering American support for Ukraine risks emboldening Russia.

“If the last three years have taught us anything, it’s that Vladimir Putin doesn’t want peace; he wants Ukraine,” Pence said during an interview on Monday. “The fact that Ukraine has observed a ceasefire for nearly two months while Russia stalls and makes excuses should tell us everything we need to know.”

Pence added that the Biden administration’s inconsistent approach to military assistance and diplomatic backing had further weakened deterrence and encouraged continued Russian aggression.