Flights Suspended in Moscow Amid Intensified Drone Attacks and Ceasefire Plans
Russian airports temporarily suspended flights after over 100 Ukrainian drones were intercepted. The attacks occurred just before a proclaimed ceasefire by President Putin coinciding with Victory Day celebrations. In Ukraine, Kharkiv faced significant drone strikes, injuring civilians. Foreign dignitaries, including President Xi Jinping, are set to attend the Victory Day festivities amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Flights were grounded across Moscow’s airports on Tuesday after Russian forces reported intercepting over 100 drones launched from Ukraine. This prompted a suspension of operations not only at all four airports in the capital but also at nine regional airports as the drones targeted areas along the border and deeper into Russian territory. This incident marked the second consecutive night that the Moscow region faced drone threats, raising escalating concerns about security.
Local authorities in Kursk reported that two individuals suffered injuries due to the drone strikes, while some damage occurred in the Voronezh region, according to Governor Alexander Khinshtein. However, it is worth noting that independent verification of the Russian claims remains elusive.
This drone attack comes just two days prior to President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a temporary 72-hour ceasefire amid ongoing conflict, aiming to align with Russia’s commemorations of Victory Day, which celebrates the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. The occasion is marked as one of the country’s largest secular holidays, attracting numerous foreign dignitaries to Moscow.
Conversely, Russian forces launched at least 20 Shahed drones at Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, reportedly injuring four individuals. This onslaught resulted in significant damage at the Barabashovo market, destroying approximately 100 stalls. Additional reports indicated that seven more civilians were hurt across the Kharkiv region due to Russian glide bombs and drone attacks, as detailed by regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov on social media.
While Putin declared a brief unilateral truce, termed as “on humanitarian grounds” effective from May 8, Ukraine has advocated for a more extended ceasefire. The United States proposed a full 30-day halt in hostilities, yet Russia has dismissed the proposal, insisting that it comes with extensive preconditions that Ukraine has accepted, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
U.S. President Donald Trump remarked on Monday that while the short truce might not seem significant, “it’s a lot if you knew where we started from.” Foreign leaders such as China’s President Xi Jinping confirmed attendance at the Victory Day festivities, highlighted by Putin as a key guest. High-profile guests were anticipated, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, although he subsequently canceled his trip due to rising tensions with Pakistan. Other attendees featured Slovakia’s controversial Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has challenged EU policies on Ukraine, and Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic, whose attendance is uncertain after experiencing health issues.
This series of drone strikes and the significant political events underlined the heightened tension as Russia and Ukraine navigate complex military and diplomatic landscapes.
In summary, Moscow airports are experiencing temporary flight cancellations in response to drone attacks from Ukraine, as Russia claims to intercept over 100 drones. This incident coincides with the approach of a declared ceasefire intended to honor Victory Day. Meanwhile, fighting continues within Ukraine, particularly affecting Kharkiv, and diplomatic dynamics evolve with foreign leaders attending commemorative events in Russia amidst the conflict. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing developments in security, political relations, and humanitarian issues.
Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com
