Russia, Ukraine Trade Drone, Missile Strikes as Moscow Prepares for 80th Victory Day Amid Xi's Visit
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Russia and Ukraine engaged in a series of drone and missile strikes overnight, escalating tensions ahead of Russia's Victory Day parade. In Kyiv, at least two people were killed and several others wounded when Russian drones and missiles targeted residential areas, causing fires and damage to apartment buildings. The Ukrainian capital was hit by four ballistic missiles and 142 drones, with Ukrainian air defenses managing to intercept some of the incoming threats.
In response, Ukraine launched a significant drone attack on Moscow, marking the third consecutive night of such strikes. This forced the temporary closure of all four major Moscow airports, disrupting 350 flights and affecting 60,000 passengers. The Russian defense ministry reported intercepting the majority of the drones, with no damage reported in the capital. The drone attacks also affected other Russian regions, leading to flight disruptions and internet outages.
The timing of these attacks coincides with the arrival of foreign dignitaries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, for the Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. The Kremlin has emphasized the security measures in place to ensure the safety of the event, while Ukraine has warned against the participation of foreign troops in the parade, citing it as support for Russia's actions in the ongoing conflict. President Putin's proposed three-day ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 was rejected by Kyiv. China and Russia have deepened their 'no limits partnership', with 102 Chinese soldiers set to participate in the parade alongside troops from 12 other nations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a pomp-filled visit. Meanwhile, Kyiv made its opposition to the visit clear after Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow shortly before Xi touched down https://t.co/lJzL1ewiqS https://t.co/jgGEsKdriL
Last night, Russia attacked Ukraine with 5 ballistic missiles & 187 kamikaze drones.
According to Ukraine's Air Force, the air defense took down 81 Shahed drones (64 drones were neutralized by electronic warfare systems) & 2 of 5 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles. https://t.co/YcxHVw9fXP
