Russia downs four Ukrainian drones near Moscow
2 Min Read
As a precaution, authorities imposed temporary restrictions on air traffic at Moscow's three major airports—Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo.
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People walk past flowers during an annual flower festival outside the GUM department store in Red Square with the Kremlin in the background in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (AP)
Russia's air defense systems successfully intercepted four Ukrainian drones approaching the capital on Sunday, in what officials describe as part of Kiev's ongoing campaign to destabilize the Russian interior. The city's mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, confirmed the incident via Telegram at approximately 4 p.m. local time (13:00 GMT).
"The Defense Ministry's air defense shot down three enemy UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] flying toward Moscow. Emergency services are working at the site of the wreckage," Sobyanin wrote. He later reported that a fourth drone had also been eliminated while heading toward the city.
As a precaution, authorities imposed temporary restrictions on air traffic at Moscow's three major airports, Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo.
"Temporary restrictions have been introduced: arrival and departure of aircraft is carried out in coordination with the relevant authorities," stated Artem Korenyako, spokesperson for Rosaviatsiya, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency. He noted that the measure was implemented "to ensure flight safety."
Drone Escalation
The attempted drone strike is the latest in a sharp escalation of Ukrainian unmanned aerial operations, which have in recent days included near-nightly swarms over Moscow and long-range attacks on strategic airbases deep inside Russian territory. According to Russian defense analysts, these incursions reflect a deliberate Ukrainian effort to sow fear among civilians and disrupt infrastructure, especially with Western support enabling increased drone production and deployment.
Despite the intensified pressure, Moscow maintains that its air defense systems remain robust and capable of neutralizing such threats. Meanwhile, Russian officials reaffirm that diplomatic channels remain open, though they warn that continued Western support for Ukrainian attacks could further strain efforts toward a political resolution.
Read more: Zelensky proposes new peace talks with Russia next week
The Kremlin has reiterated that peace is possible, but only if Kiev agrees to key terms, including the renunciation of NATO ambitions and the withdrawal from Russia's sovereign territories. Until then, Russia is expected to sustain and strengthen its defense posture.
