Sky Siege: Moscow Airports Hit by Drones

May 28, 2025

Airspace Under Siege: Moscow Airports Rocked by Major Ukrainian Drone Assault

Moscow, Russia – May 28, 2025 – Flights at several major Moscow airports faced significant disruption overnight and into Wednesday morning as Russia reported fending off a massive Ukrainian drone attack. This latest aerial assault underscores the escalating drone warfare that has become a defining feature of the ongoing conflict.

Russian authorities claim nearly 150 Ukrainian drones were “destroyed and intercepted” in a concentrated three-hour period, targeting six different regions, including areas surrounding the capital. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that 33 drones specifically heading for the city were shot down.

The Federal Aviation Transport Agency swiftly implemented restrictions at Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky airports, leading to flight suspensions and diversions. While drone activity near Moscow has become more frequent in recent weeks, the sheer scale and intensity of this particular attack are being highlighted by Russian officials as a notable escalation.

This incident follows closely on the heels of Ukraine reporting its most intense three days of Russian drone attacks since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, with over 900 drones launched by Russia up to Monday. Russia, in turn, stated its strikes were a response to Ukrainian drone and missile attacks causing civilian casualties.

The impact of these tit-for-tat drone strikes is increasingly felt by civilians. Beyond direct threats, the constant risk of aerial attacks forces temporary airport closures and flight diversions, creating travel chaos and a palpable sense of unease.

Ukraine’s drone strategy appears multifaceted, aiming to:

Disrupt Logistics: By targeting key transportation hubs like airports, Ukraine seeks to impede Russian military and civilian movements.
Strain Air Defenses: Repeated, large-scale drone attacks force Russia to expend valuable air defense resources, potentially thinning out protection in other areas.
Impact Morale: Bringing the war to the Russian capital aims to affect public sentiment and highlight the costs of the conflict to the Russian population.

As the conflict continues, the skies above both Ukraine and Russia remain a crucial battleground, with drones playing an ever-increasing and disruptive role. The frequency and sophistication of these attacks suggest a new phase in the war, where civilian infrastructure and airspace are increasingly under threat.