Moscow Airports Suspend Flights Amid Drone Strikes from Ukraine

Recent drone strikes in Russia have led to temporary suspensions of flights at Moscow airports and injuries in the Kazan region. The attacks occurred just days before a unilateral ceasefire announced by President Putin coinciding with Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has accepted a U.S. ceasefire proposal, while foreign leaders prepare to attend the events in Moscow amidst ongoing conflict.

Moscow airports temporarily suspended flights this week following a significant drone offensive from Ukraine, which reportedly targeted over 100 drones towards several regions in Russia, including the vicinity of Moscow. The Defense Ministry of Russia confirmed on Tuesday that this attack influenced operations at all four airports in the capital, leading to immediate disruptions. In addition, nine other airports across Russia halted flights, predominantly as drones struck areas alongside the Ukrainian border and other regions deeper within Russia.

Some injuries were reported, specifically two individuals in the Kursk region as local authorities detailed incidents. Additionally, reports of property damage emerged from the Voronezh region. However, news organizations have noted the difficulty in verifying the accuracy of these Russian claims.

This drone strike incident comes just days before President Vladimir Putin’s unilateral announcement of a 72-hour ceasefire, aimed at coinciding with the significant Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9. This day commemorates Russia’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 and is considered the country’s most prominent secular holiday, attracting foreign dignitaries to the capital.

In contrast, Russian forces launched at least 20 Shahed drones targeting Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city near the border. The attacks resulted in injuries to four individuals and sparked a fire in the Barabashovo market, devastating roughly 100 market stalls, as reported by regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Furthermore, seven others sustained injuries throughout the Kharkiv region due to various attacks, including glide bombs.

On May 8, a unilateral truce was declared by Putin on humanitarian grounds, although Ukraine has called for a more extended ceasefire period. Meanwhile, Russia has rejected a U.S. suggestion for an immediate 30-day halt in fighting, insisting that they have strict conditions. Ukraine, however, has expressed acceptance of this proposal, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the truce, commenting on its significance despite its short duration.

Prominent foreign leaders have confirmed their attendance at the upcoming Victory Day festivities. Among them is China’s President Xi Jinping, who is viewed by Putin as an important ally. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a surprising move, canceled his planned visit due to escalating tensions with Pakistan. Other notable attendees include Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has openly criticized European Union strategies regarding Ukraine, and Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic, who previously accepted an invitation but is now uncertain due to health issues.

In summary, the drone attacks targeting Moscow and Kharkiv underscore the continuing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with significant implications for the upcoming Victory Day celebrations. As foreign dignitaries prepare to attend the festivities amid a fragile ceasefire, tensions remain high, with both sides attempting to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics. The situation remains fluid, with reports from the region continuing to evolve.

Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com