Ukraine conducted its largest drone strike on Moscow early Wednesday, leading Russia to temporarily close airports over 1,000 miles away due to concerns of more attacks.
All flights were canceled and airspace restricted over the Arctic cities of Murmansk and Apatity, with reports of a Ukrainian drone being shot down in the area, marking the furthest incursion into Russian territory. Murmansk’s regional governor, Andrei Chibis, warned of a drone threat in the region, stating that necessary security measures were being implemented.
Russia’s aviation watchdog, Rosaviatsia, confirmed the closures, prioritizing flight safety. Later, they announced that the threat had passed, and airports resumed operations. Following Kyiv’s aerial attacks on Moscow, about 45 Ukrainian drones were downed, with 11 destroyed over the Moscow region, according to Russia’s defense ministry. Videos of the attack were shared by Russian media, but Ukraine’s military has not claimed responsibility
Temporary restrictions were placed on Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky airports. Ukrainian forces frequently carry out drone strikes and sabotage acts on Russian territory, targeting strategic locations like military bases, oil refineries, and industrial facilities.
An oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov region has been burning for four days after a Ukrainian drone strike, with over 500 firefighters battling the blaze. In a separate incident, Ukraine’s air force reportedly targeted a Russian S-300 air defense system in Rostov, with local authorities confirming the downing of a missile.
These attacks coincide with Ukraine’s surprise incursion into the Kursk region, where they claim to have seized control of enemy territory. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s top commander, stated that their forces have advanced between 18 and 22 miles into Kursk. Russia’s defense minister, Andrei Belousov, announced the formation of three new military groupings to enhance security along the Ukrainian border.
The ongoing conflict has seen Russia shelling the Ukrainian city of Sumy, forcing thousands to flee. Meanwhile, Russia continues its advance in Ukraine’s east, with the city of Pokrovsk under threat.
Analysts believe Russia aims to exploit Ukraine’s depleted resources by pushing forward with its assault on Pokrovsk. In a significant move, Ukraine’s parliament voted to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) to hold Russia accountable for alleged war crimes during the invasion. Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, called this decision historic and a key step towards eventual EU membership.