Russia has announced that it intercepted a drone attack targeting Moscow as the capital prepares to host major military celebrations attended by various international leaders.
On Monday, Moscow’s Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, reported that Russia’s air defense systems shot down “four drones headed for Moscow.”
The attack appeared to be an attempt to disrupt preparations for Moscow’s Victory Day events, commemorating the end of what Russia calls the Great Patriotic War, known internationally as World War II, which is celebrated on May 9.
President Vladimir Putin had called for a 72-hour ceasefire starting from May 8 to allow for the day’s celebrations, according to Al Jazeera.
However, Ukraine responded by proposing a longer, 30-day ceasefire aimed at brokering a lasting halt to the war that began in February 2022.
In a message shared on Telegram, Sobyanin confirmed there were no reports of casualties or damage.
Nevertheless, the attack forced flights to be temporarily grounded at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport. Russia’s aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, confirmed that air traffic was halted for 90 minutes overnight to secure the skies.
Elsewhere, Russian authorities said 17 drones were shot down over Bryansk Region and another five over Kaluga.
