International

IIE Digital Desk : Moscow's four major airports—Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky—experienced temporary closures following a significant drone attack attributed to Ukrainian forces. Russian authorities reported intercepting 19 drones near the capital, with debris causing minor damage, including shattered windows in southern Moscow. 

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that over 100 drones targeted nearly a dozen regions, including the Moscow area, leading to the suspension of flight operations at all four Moscow airports and nine other regional airports. This marked the second consecutive night of drone activity in the region.

The attacks occurred just days before Russia's Victory Day celebrations, commemorating the end of World War II. President Vladimir Putin had announced a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire ahead of the festivities. However, Ukraine has called for a longer ceasefire, and tensions remain high.

In response to the drone attacks, Russian forces launched at least 20 Shahed drones at Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, injuring four people and damaging approximately 100 stalls at the city's largest market, Barabashovo. Additional Russian attacks in the Kharkiv region wounded seven more civilians. 

The temporary airport closures in Moscow highlight the escalating use of drone warfare in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Both nations continue to develop and deploy drone technology, leading to increased concerns over civilian safety and infrastructure security.

International attention remains focused on the region, with foreign dignitaries, including China's President Xi Jinping and Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, expected to attend the upcoming Victory Day events in Moscow. However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has canceled his attendance amid rising tensions with Pakistan.