In a dramatic escalation of its ongoing conflict, Ukraine has executed its largest drone strike against Moscow, launching at least 25 drones at the Russian capital on 3 March 2024. Reports indicate that this unprecedented attack necessitated the temporary closure of two major airports in the city, raising significant concerns about the safety and security of air travel.
Details of the Attack
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that the drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Ramenskoye and Kolomensky districts, as well as in Domodedovo, located southwest of the capital. Despite the scale of the operation, Sobyanin assured that “according to preliminary information, there is no damage or casualties at the site of the fall of the debris.”
Airport Closures
- Domodedovo Airport and Zhukovo Airport were temporarily closed.
- The closure began at 0530 GMT, although the duration remains unspecified.
The Ramenskoye district, approximately 45 km (30 miles) southeast of the Kremlin, had previously been targeted in September 2023 during an earlier wave of drone strikes.
Wider Implications
In addition to the events in Moscow, Ukrainian drone attacks reportedly ignited blazes in non-residential buildings across Russia’s Kaluga and Bryansk regions, underscoring the extensive impact of the conflict beyond Moscow.
As emergency services responded to incidents, the atmosphere in Moscow was charged. The situation reflects the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, raising questions about the future of air travel and military engagements in the region.
This attack could change the dynamics of air defence strategies in the vicinity, echoing the phrases of experts who warn that such military operations could lead to further escalation between the two nations.