Ukraine Strikes Moscow: Russia Closes Airports, Downs 28 Drones
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Moscow during the night of October 26-27, 2023. This operation prompted Russian authorities to activate their air defense systems and resulted in the closure of two major airports in the Russian capital.
Details of the Drone Attack on Moscow
The attack commenced shortly before 10 PM local time, continuing for about five hours. During this period, Russian defense units successfully shot down 28 drones, as reported by Moscow’s Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, on Telegram. Mayor Sobyanin stated that the drone strikes were part of a concerted effort by Ukraine to target strategic military infrastructures in Russia.
Impact on Airports
- Domodedovo Airport, a major air traffic hub, was closed.
- Zhukovsky Airport, a smaller facility, was also shut down.
The Russian aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya, announced the airport closures took effect at 11:40 PM GMT to ensure flight safety. No reports of damage or casualties were released immediately following the strikes.
Casualties in Russian Regions
The drone attacks also had repercussions in nearby Russian regions. In Bryansk, two civilians were hospitalized due to drone strikes, according to regional Governor Alexander Bogomaz. Meanwhile, in the Belgorod region, 16 individuals were reported injured due to similar attacks.
Ukraine’s Response to Attacks
Ukraine has confirmed its military conducted 101 drone operations against Russian positions on the same night, with 90 of those drones reportedly neutralized by Russian forces. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko noted that at least 29 people, including seven children, suffered injuries from the confrontation. Furthermore, three fatalities were also confirmed during the exchanges.
Continuing Conflict and Military Developments
The situation remains tense, with both nations engaging in drone warfare. In Kyiv, a recent attack attributed to Russian forces resulted in casualties and significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
Focusing on military developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the completion of decisive tests on the new nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, describing it as an unparalleled weapon. The Russian military is reportedly preparing the necessary infrastructure for integrating it into their armed forces.
Overall, the drone operations and countermeasures mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing military conflict between Ukraine and Russia, indicating potential shifts in strategy and operations from both sides.
