In a bold escalation of its aerial campaign, Ukraine launched a second consecutive night of drone attacks targeting Moscow, intensifying pressure on Russia's capital ahead of significant national commemorations. Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed at least 19 drones approaching Moscow from various directions, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. While the majority were neutralized without incident, one drone struck a residential building, shattering windows but causing no reported injuries.

The drone incursions prompted the temporary closure of all four major airports serving Moscow, disrupting air traffic and highlighting vulnerabilities in the city's defenses. Similar drone activities were reported and neutralized in the Voronezh and Penza regions, with minor damages but no casualties.

These attacks coincide with Russia's preparations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. President Vladimir Putin had declared a temporary ceasefire from May 8 to 10 for the celebrations. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed the measure as insufficient, advocating instead for a broader, 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States.

Ukraine has conducted multiple drone operations against Moscow since the onset of the full-scale war over three years ago, asserting that these actions target infrastructure critical to Russia’s war efforts and serve as retaliation for Russia’s continued assaults on Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure.

As the conflict persists, the recent drone attacks underscore the evolving nature of warfare and the increasing role of unmanned aerial systems in modern military strategy.