Moscow Airports Suspend Flights Amid Surge in Drone Attacks from Ukraine

Russian airports in Moscow were forced to suspend flights after over 100 Ukrainian drones targeted various regions in Russia. The drone strikes coincided with a declared ceasefire by President Putin for the Victory Day celebrations. Injuries and damage have been reported, while Ukraine escalates its call for a longer aggravation of hostilities amid international diplomatic engagements.

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russian forces reported that over 100 Ukrainian drones targeted multiple regions in Russia, leading to the abrupt suspension of flights at all four major airports in Moscow. This attack, executed on a Tuesday, has also forced the temporary closure of nine regional airports, as confirmed by Rosaviatsia and the Russian Defense Ministry. Notably, this is the second night in a row the Moscow area has faced such drone incursions.

Local authorities reported injuries and damage from the drone strikes, particularly in regions such as Kursk and Voronezh. Kursk’s Governor Alexander Khinshtein stated that two individuals sustained injuries, and there are reports highlighting damage across various locations. However, the information from Russian sources cannot be independently verified at this time.

The timing of the drone assault is particularly notable, coming just two days before a unilateral ceasefire, announced by President Vladimir Putin. This ceasefire is intended to coincide with the Victory Day celebrations, a significant event in Russia commemorating its triumph over Nazi Germany in 1945. It is the country’s most prominent secular holiday, during which many foreign dignitaries are expected to attend.

In a related development, Russian forces unleashed at least 20 Shahed drones on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city near the border. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that four people were injured, and the drone strikes caused a fire at the Barabashovo market, resulting in substantial damage to around 100 market stalls. Furthermore, seven additional civilians suffered injuries in separate incidents across the Kharkiv region.

Details surrounding the ceasefire announced by Putin reveal his intent for a brief halt, which is purportedly aimed at humanitarian reasons starting May 8. Conversely, Ukraine has appealed for a more extended ceasefire agreement. The situation is complicated by Russia’s dismissal of a U.S. proposal to enact a full 30-day cessation of hostilities, asserting stringent terms for any agreement. Ukraine, on the other hand, is reported to have accepted this proposal, as acknowledged by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the ceasefire, remarking from the White House that while the temporary truce may seem minor, it holds considerable importance given the context from which it originated. Notably, several foreign leaders are in attendance for the upcoming Victory Day festivities in Moscow, with China’s President Xi Jinping highlighted as a primary guest. Interestingly, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, previously expected to join, canceled his visit amid rising tensions with Pakistan.

Other dignitaries include Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, known for his dissenting views on European Union policies concerning Ukraine, and Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic, whose attendance is in question due to health issues after previously accepting the invitation.

In summary, the drone attacks on Moscow came just before a significant ceasefire announced by Putin for Victory Day, raising tensions further between Russia and Ukraine. The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for potential escalations, with international reactions unfolding concurrently. The upcoming celebrations in Moscow, alongside the ongoing hostilities, highlight the complex and intertwined nature of geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com