Russian air defence systems shot down 32 incoming Ukrainian drones over Moscow overnight, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced on Tuesday, though there have been no reports of casualties.
The drone strikes caused disruptions at Moscow’s airports, with the Russian capital’s largest airport, Sheremetyevo, suspending all flights for over three hours on Monday night, leading to the cancellation of at least 50 flights. At least 20 flights were delayed at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport, according to Telegram channel Ostorozhno Novosti.
Telegram channels shared footage of an Antonov 124 military transport plane flying low over the city near Vnukovo Airport on Monday night, leading to speculation that the aircraft — the largest flown by the Russian military — had been evading a Ukrainian drone.
However, aviation experts told independent media outlet Agentstvo that the plane had simply been following the standard ascent route from Vnukovo, and only appeared to be flying so low due to its size.
Major flight disruptions have been recorded at Russian airports throughout the summer as Ukrainian drone strikes deep into Russia territory have intensified, causing significant delays and disruptions.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) did not comment on the drone strikes, while the Russian Defence Ministry reported on Tuesday morning that its air defence systems had shot down a total of 69 Ukrainian drones overnight in various Russian regions, including the border regions of Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk, the Moscow region, and occupied Crimea.