Russia and Ukraine Exchange Drone Strikes, Killing Two in Kyiv; Moscow Airports Closed, Affecting 350 Flights and 60,000 Passengers Ahead of Ceasefire

Russia and Ukraine exchanged drone and missile strikes overnight, resulting in two fatalities in Kyiv and the disruption of air traffic in Moscow. The attacks occurred hours before a three-day ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin was set to begin, coinciding with the upcoming Victory Day parade in Moscow. In Kyiv, a Russian drone attack caused debris to fall on a residential building, leading to the deaths of a mother and her son. Eight others, including four children, were injured in the incident. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling for increased pressure and sanctions against Russia to pave the way for diplomacy. Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow, leading to the temporary closure of major airports, including Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Domodedovo. The disruption affected 350 flights, impacting the travel plans of 60,000 passengers. The Kremlin has stated that it is taking all necessary measures to ensure security ahead of the Victory Day parade, which will be attended by 29 foreign leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. In addition to the attacks on Kyiv and Moscow, Ukrainian drones struck military facilities in Russia, including a fiber optic plant in Saransk and the Kubinka air base. These strikes targeted key components of Russia's military production and preparation for the Victory Day parade. Russia launched four ballistic missiles and 142 drones in the attacks on Ukraine.