In a major overnight operation, Ukrainian drones triggered temporary airspace closures across multiple Russian cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. The drone attacks led to a precautionary suspension of all incoming and outgoing flights in the affected zones, although no physical damage was reported, according to Russian authorities on Tuesday. The disruption underscores the evolving use of drones in Ukraine’s military strategy, aiming to destabilize key urban centers without direct ground engagement.
The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a total of 102 Ukrainian drones throughout the night. However, as is customary, the ministry did not disclose the total number launched by Ukraine, focusing only on those that were intercepted. This incident represents one of the largest waves of drone activity reported to date, reflecting Ukraine’s increasingly bold use of long-range aerial strikes.
Nearly 50 of the intercepted drones were reportedly downed over Bryansk, a western Russian region bordering Ukraine. This area has been frequently targeted due to its proximity and strategic importance in logistics and military supply routes. Additionally, three drones were neutralized near the Moscow region, and two were shot down in Leningrad region, where St. Petersburg is located. The pattern suggests a coordinated attempt to test or overwhelm Russia’s air defense systems across multiple fronts.
In response to the threat, Rosaviatsia, Russia’s civil aviation agency, took the precautionary measure of halting operations at major airports, including all four serving Moscow—Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky—as well as St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport. Airports in nine other cities were also affected by the temporary flight suspensions. These decisions were made to ensure passenger safety and prevent potential airspace collisions or accidents.
By early Tuesday morning, normal operations resumed at Moscow's airports, but airspace restrictions remained active over St. Petersburg as of 0430 GMT, suggesting ongoing evaluations of risk or further drone activity in the region. The impact of the temporary closures disrupted domestic and international flight schedules, although no aircraft were reported to be damaged during the alert.
The drone offensive reflects a growing shift in Ukraine’s military tactics—moving beyond the frontlines to strike symbolic and strategic infrastructure deep inside Russian territory. While Russia claims its defenses held firm, the mere ability of Ukraine to force airspace lockdowns in major urban centers speaks volumes about the reach and sophistication of its unmanned aerial capabilities. This latest episode adds a new layer to the already complex battlefield dynamics between the two nations.