Moscow Airports Grounded Amidst Rising Tensions from Drone Attacks

On May 7, drone attacks by Ukraine forced the suspension of flights at Moscow’s airports. The situation is exacerbated by injuries in the Kursk and Kharkiv regions and precedes a proposed 72-hour ceasefire ahead of Victory Day. Foreign leaders are attending the celebrations amid ongoing violence.

In a dramatic turn of events, flights at all four major airports in Moscow were temporarily suspended on Tuesday as Russian forces reportedly intercepted over 100 drones from Ukraine targeting numerous regions in Russia. The attack, which affects not only the capital but also nine regional airports, indicates a growing tension as conflicts escalate once again along the Ukrainian border and deeper into Russian territory, as confirmed by the Russian Defense Ministry and civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia.

This latest drone assault marks the second consecutive night that regions around Moscow have been targeted. In the Kursk region, local Governor Alexander Khinshtein reported two injuries, alongside some property damage observed in Voronezh. Notably, these claims from Russia have not been independently verified, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the information coming from the conflict zone.

Adding to the tumult, the strikes come just two days before a proposed 72-hour ceasefire, announced by President Vladimir Putin, timed to coincide with Russia’s major Victory Day celebrations that commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. This holiday is one of Russia’s premier secular events, attracting foreign dignitaries to Moscow amidst the ongoing instability.

In parallel developments, Russian forces launched at least 20 Shahed drones towards Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, resulting in injuries to four individuals, according to regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov. The drone strikes instigated a significant fire at the city’s largest market, Barabashovo, causing destruction to approximately 100 market stalls, highlighting the humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict.

Moreover, seven additional civilians were reported injured across the Kharkiv region from the effects of Russian glide bombs and drone attacks, indicating a devastating impact on civilian populations.

Despite the declared ceasefire starting May 8, Ukraine advocates for a more extended pause in hostilities. In a counterpoint, Russia has dismissed a U.S. proposal for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, citing numerous conditions that must be met. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed support for the U.S. proposition, reflecting a willingness to explore options for peace in an increasingly volatile environment. President Donald Trump commented on this situation, suggesting that any ceasefire, however brief, could represent significant steps towards resolution.

Amidst these developments, several foreign leaders have confirmed attendance at the upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, with China’s President Xi Jinping described by President Putin as an important guest. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was initially expected but canceled his visit amid rising tensions with Pakistan. Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who has not visited Russia since the invasion, are also on the guest list, though Vucic’s attendance remains in question due to health concerns.

As the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia intensifies, the temporary suspension of flights at Moscow airports due to drone attacks reflects a significant escalation. The clash coincides with the anticipated ceasefire and Victory Day celebrations, raising questions about the potential for negotiation amidst violence. The presence of foreign dignitaries at these celebrations adds further complexity to an already strained geopolitical landscape, highlighting the fragile nature of current tensions.

Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com