Moscow Repels Overnight Drone Assault, Temporarily Closes Two Airports

Russian air defense systems were on high alert overnight as they intercepted a series of drone attacks targeting Moscow. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, 28 drones were shot down within a five-hour window beginning just before 10 p.m. local time (1900 GMT) on Sunday. The attacks prompted temporary flight restrictions and the closure of two major airports in the capital region.

The Russian aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya, announced that Domodedovo Airport — one of Moscow’s largest air hubs — and the smaller Zhukovsky Airport were closed starting at 10:40 p.m. GMT to ensure the safety of air traffic. Flights were temporarily redirected or grounded as authorities worked to secure the airspace.

Despite the scale of the overnight operation, Russian officials reported no casualties or confirmed damage from falling debris. As is customary, Moscow has provided limited details regarding the extent of the attacks or possible damage to infrastructure. The Russian government often restricts public disclosure of military or infrastructure-related damage unless civilian areas are directly affected.

There has been no immediate response from Ukraine regarding the latest drone offensive. However, Kyiv has previously stated that its long-range strikes are aimed at undermining Russian military logistics and infrastructure critical to sustaining the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine.

The repeated drone incursions over Moscow highlight the escalating reach of the ongoing conflict, with Ukraine increasingly targeting Russian territory. The incident underscores growing security challenges for Russia’s air defense network and its capital’s vulnerability despite extensive anti-air systems.