Ukrainian Drone Attack on Moscow: Airports Closed – Onet
- A large-scale drone attack targeted Moscow and its surrounding regions on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, leading to temporary airport closures and raising concerns about escalating conflict.
- The attacks began early Tuesday morning, with reports of drones entering the Moscow airspace around 3:00 AM local time.
- According to reports from Russian state media, several drones were shot down or disabled, while others reportedly crashed into buildings.
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Ukrainian Drone attack Disrupts moscow Airspace, Raising Tensions
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A large-scale drone attack targeted Moscow and its surrounding regions on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, leading to temporary airport closures and raising concerns about escalating conflict. Ukrainian officials have not directly claimed responsibility, but the incident underscores Kyiv’s growing ability to strike deep within Russian territory.
What happened: The Timeline of the Attacks
The attacks began early Tuesday morning, with reports of drones entering the Moscow airspace around 3:00 AM local time. Multiple drones were reportedly involved,targeting buildings in the city center,including the Moscow City business district. Russian air defenses were activated, attempting to intercept the incoming drones. All three major Moscow airports – Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Sheremetyevo – were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure, causing significant flight disruptions.
According to reports from Russian state media, several drones were shot down or disabled, while others reportedly crashed into buildings. There were initial reports of minor damage to buildings, but no immediate reports of casualties. The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed to have thwarted the attack, attributing it to a “terrorist attack” by the kyiv regime. However, independent verification of these claims remains arduous.
Impact on Civilian Life and Infrastructure
The temporary closure of Moscow’s airports caused widespread disruption for travelers. Flight tracking data shows hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled, impacting thousands of passengers. The attack also sparked panic among residents, with videos circulating on social media showing explosions and the activation of air defense systems. While the immediate physical damage appears limited, the psychological impact on the population is significant.
| Airport | Status (July 25, 2023) | Approximate Flights Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Vnukovo | Temporarily Closed (reopened 8:00 AM local time) | 60+ |
| Domodedovo | Temporarily Closed (reopened 8:30 AM local time) | 80+ |
| Sheremetyevo | Temporarily closed (reopened 9:00 AM local time) | 70+ |
Russia’s Response and Accusations
The Russian government strongly condemned the drone attack, labeling it a “terrorist act” and vowing retaliation. President Vladimir Putin has not yet publicly commented on the incident, but the Kremlin has indicated that a response is highly likely. russian officials have accused Ukraine of escalating the conflict and targeting civilian infrastructure. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the attack was carried out using at least five fixed-wing drones.
Russia has previously accused Ukraine of launching attacks on its territory, including border regions and Crimea. However, this attack represents a significant escalation, as it directly targeted the capital city. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of Russia’s air defense systems in protecting its major cities.
Ukraine’s Position and Potential Motivations
Ukrainian officials have maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding attacks inside Russia. While not directly claiming responsibility for the Moscow drone attack, Ukrainian presidential advisor mykhailo Podolyak suggested that the incident was a result of internal conflicts within Russia. He stated that the attacks were “karma” and a outcome of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Several potential motivations for ukraine to launch such an attack exist.These include demonstrating Ukraine’s ability to strike at the heart of Russia, raising morale among Ukrainian troops and citizens, and possibly provoking a response from Russia that could further isolate the country internationally. The attack could also be