Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow disrupt air travel for 60,000 passengers in Russia
Editor's note: This story has been updated with data from the Association of Tour Operators of Russia.
Ukrainian drones forced mass flight delays and diversions at airports around Moscow on May 7, the pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Mash reported.
The disruption comes days before Russia's Victory Day parade on May 9, one of the country's largest public events and a key propaganda tool for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For a third consecutive day, the Kremlin reported downing Ukrainian drones approaching Moscow, disrupting aviation in the region.
According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, recent Ukrainian military activity has led to airport closures that disrupted travel plans for at least 60,000 passengers across the country. Around 350 flights were reportedly affected.
Mash claimed that the evening drone raid on May 6 caused a "collapse" at all airports in the Moscow Oblast, forcing numerous airliners to divert to other cities or delay departures. Some passengers were left on planes for several hours without food.
Russia's Defense Ministry claimed it had shot down two drones over the region.
At Sheremetyevo Airport, dozens of people crowded information desks to change or surrender tickets on May 7, according to pro-Kremlin outlet Careful, Moscow.
Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency also warned of flight delays across Central Russia "due to the late arrival of aircraft at the initial airports of destination."
Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to arrive in Russia on May 7 for a visit lasting until May 10. He plans to meet Putin to discuss the war in Ukraine, Russia-U.S. relations, and energy cooperation.
Other expected guests include Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, though Fico's attendance remains uncertain due to illness.
Ukraine has previously demonstrated its ability to strike Moscow with drones. In an apparent effort to shield Victory Day celebrations, Putin announced a unilateral "humanitarian" truce from May 8 to midnight on May 11.
Zelensky dismissed the move as a "theatrical performance," and experts told the Kyiv Independent that such unilateral declarations contradict how legitimate ceasefires are negotiated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 3 that Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of foreign officials planning to attend Victory Day events in Russia.
At least 29 world leaders and military personnel from 13 countries are expected to attend the parade.
Chris York
