Russian Air Defenses Down 524 Ukrainian Drones, Disrupting Moscow Airports Amid Xi's Visit

Russia's air defense forces have been actively engaged in countering Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow and other regions. Over the past few nights, Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, reported that Russian defenses successfully downed multiple drones, including 14 on one night and 19 on another, aimed at the capital. These incidents have led to the temporary closure of several Moscow airports, including Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky, causing significant disruptions to air traffic. The drone attacks have not only affected Moscow but also other Russian cities, with airports in Nizhny Novgorod, Volgograd, and others temporarily halting operations due to the threat. The Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting over 524 Ukrainian drones across various regions, including 5 Neptune missiles, 6 JDAM bombs, and 2 HIMARS projectiles, highlighting the widespread nature of these attacks. The timing of these drone strikes coincides with preparations for Russia's Victory Day parade on May 9, commemorating the end of World War II. The parade is expected to be attended by several foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose arrival in Moscow was shortly preceded by one of the drone attacks. The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of attempting to disrupt these celebrations with acts of terrorism. In response to the drone attacks, Russian authorities have implemented stringent security measures, including temporary airspace restrictions and the rerouting of flights. The disruptions have affected thousands of passengers, with reports indicating over 60,000 people impacted by flight delays and cancellations across Russia, including 350 flights delayed due to the drone threat. Additionally, in Kyiv, two people were killed in Russian drone strikes.