Russian air defence systems intercepted dozens of drones targeting Moscow in the early hours of Monday, prompting temporary flight suspensions at several airports serving the capital.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said nearly 60 drones heading towards the city were shot down overnight. He did not provide details regarding casualties or damage but confirmed that emergency services had been deployed to locations where the drones were intercepted.
The incident briefly disrupted air traffic across the region. Russia’s aviation watchdog announced that operations were temporarily suspended at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovskiy airports before normal services were later restored.
The latest attack comes just days after drones reportedly struck Moscow’s only oil refinery. During that earlier incident, Russian defence systems claimed to have intercepted nearly 200 drones in one of the largest aerial assaults on the capital since the start of Russia’s full-scale military operation in Ukraine in 2022.
Meanwhile, authorities in Sevastopol announced a series of precautionary measures amid growing security concerns.
Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said all outdoor public events scheduled for Monday had been cancelled. Street lighting across the city would also remain switched off as officials urged residents to reduce electricity consumption.
In Crimea, a peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014, fuel sales have also been restricted due to supply concerns. Authorities said fuel distribution would be limited to government agencies responsible for essential services and security operations.
The restrictions come as Ukrainian drone strikes targeting supply routes and energy infrastructure have reportedly contributed to a growing fuel shortage in the region.
As both sides continue long-range drone operations, concerns remain over the potential impact on critical infrastructure, transportation networks and energy supplies across affected areas.
