A drone strike by Ukraine on Moscow resulted in the temporary closure of four major airports, causing over 230 flight delays and impacting major airlines. While the attack inflicted casualties and damage, daily life in Moscow resumed quickly. This incident reflects heightened tensions and capabilities in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
On Tuesday, March 12, 2025, a significant drone strike by Ukraine on Moscow led to the temporary closures of Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky airports. This incident resulted in over 230 flight delays, affecting key airlines such as Aeroflot, Qatar Airways, China Eastern, and Emirates. This strike underscores Ukraine’s expanding capability to conduct deep incursions into Russian territory, marking one of the most substantial air travel disruptions in this ongoing conflict.
As this drone attack occurred, U.S. officials were preparing to engage with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia, intending to discuss potential resolutions for the three-year war. Concurrently, Russian military efforts continued, particularly in the Kursk region, where they aimed to encircle Ukrainian forces.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that this drone strike represents the largest assault from Ukraine on the capital to date. Previous to this attack, Moscow and its surroundings, which house more than 21 million residents, had largely escaped the war’s immediate effects.
The drone strike has tragically resulted in casualties; two employees of Miratorg were killed due to falling debris near Moscow, with a third victim reported in Domodedovo. Additionally, 18 injuries were recorded, including three children, and significant damage to residential buildings occurred.
Despite the attack, daily life in Moscow continued relatively unaffected, with commuters proceeding to work. The major airports halted operations temporarily, subsequently reopening, although some flights were redirected to alternate locations.
Air travel disruptions were extensive, prompting delays and a limited number of cancellations. During the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has faced continuous missile and drone attacks from Russia, with Kyiv reporting a targeted assault involving 126 drones and a ballistic missile on the same day.
In reaction, Ukraine has escalated its drone operations, targeting Russian infrastructures, including oil refineries and military airfields. Both Ukraine and Russia have significantly invested in drone warfare, innovatively converting commercial drones into formidable weapons bolstered by advanced countermeasures.
Post-attack discussions have included proposals for retaliatory measures, with a senior Russian lawmaker suggesting the use of Oreshnik hypersonic missiles. President Vladimir Putin has condemned these Ukrainian strikes as acts of terrorism, asserting a commitment to a robust response.
Despite the conflict’s severity, Moscow has continued to experience economic growth due to increased defense spending, the highest seen since the Cold War. The evolving nature of drone warfare has altered the dynamics of this conflict, indicating readiness for further escalation on both sides.
The extensive drone strike on Moscow signifies a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, notably affecting air travel across four major airports. Major airlines faced considerable disruptions, while the incident has resulted in tragic casualties and property damage. Both countries appear poised for further military actions, with an increased focus on drone warfare marking a new chapter in this protracted conflict.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
