Disruption in Moscow as Airports Close Following Drone Attacks

This past Sunday, three of Moscow’s airports were closed to air traffic due to a series of drone attacks initiated by Ukraine. These assaults resulted in numerous flight delays, particularly impacting Vnukovo, the city’s second-busiest airport. This incident occurs during a peak travel period in Russia, coinciding with the New Year and Orthodox Christmas holidays, when many people are taking vacations and traveling both domestically and internationally.

Casualties from Drone Strikes

Local officials reported tragic outcomes from the drone strikes, with two fatalities in Russian border regions. The governor of Belgorod disclosed that one individual lost their life, and two others, including a child, were injured when a drone targeted a vehicle. Additionally, in the Kursk region, a village was struck, resulting in another death, according to the regional governor.

Casualties Reported in Ukraine

In response to the ongoing conflict, drone strikes also occurred in Ukraine, leading to injuries for three individuals in the Kharkiv area, as stated by the country’s state emergency service. Compounding the situation, the death toll from a recent Russian missile attack in Kharkiv rose to five. This increase was confirmed by Kharkiv’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, who reported that body parts were discovered under the debris of a damaged building.

Impact on Industrial Areas

A Ukrainian drone attack also caused a fire in an industrial zone located in Yelets, within the Lipetsk region of Russia. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Yelets is notable for housing the Energiya battery plant, a significant manufacturer of batteries and accumulators for Russia’s defense sector, and has been targeted by Ukrainian forces in prior attacks.

Conclusion

The recent drone assaults have not only caused significant disruptions in Moscow’s air travel but have also resulted in tragic losses on both sides of the conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, the impacts on travel and safety remain a high concern, particularly during this busy holiday season.