In a significant escalation of military tensions, Ukraine has launched drone attacks on Moscow for the second consecutive night, leading to the closure of the capital’s three major airports. Russian officials reported the incident early Wednesday, with Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, stating that 19 Ukrainian drones approached the city. Debris from an intercepted drone reportedly fell onto a key highway leading into Moscow, and an apartment building was also struck during the attacks.
Russia’s aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, announced the suspension of flights at Moscow's major airports, including Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky. These closures are a direct response to the increasing frequency and intensity of Ukrainian drone strikes, which have raised concerns about air travel safety in the region.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have also targeted a power substation in the town of Rylsk, located in Russia’s western Kursk region. According to the regional governor, the attack resulted in injuries to two individuals and caused significant damage to two transformers, leading to power outages in the area. Prior to this, Russian war bloggers reported that Ukrainian forces had used missiles to breach the border at Kursk, navigating through minefields with armored vehicles.
Governor Alexander Khinshtein of Kursk confirmed the events, stating that Ukrainian units were attempting to advance near the settlements of Tyotkino and Glushkovo. The Ukrainian military reported that its forces had successfully struck a Russian drone command unit near Tyotkino just days earlier.
In a related incident, Russia reported that Ukrainian attacks near the Sumy region resulted in the deaths of three individuals. Ukrainian prosecutors revealed that Russian forces had subjected the settlements of Bilopillya and Vorozhba in the Sumy region to artillery and guided bomb attacks, leading to three fatalities and four injuries. Local officials have since ordered evacuations in parts of Sumy, particularly those across from the ongoing fighting in Kursk.
Ukrainian commander-in-chief, Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky, stated on Monday that the offensive in Kursk had “achieved most of its goals.” This operation not only showcased Ukraine’s military capabilities but also aimed to prevent Russian forces from launching offensives in other areas along the frontline. Despite Russia’s claims of having neutralized Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserts that Kyiv’s forces continue to operate actively in both Kursk and the neighboring Russian region of Belgorod.
In a broader context, a Czech-led ammunition initiative has significantly bolstered Ukraine’s military efforts, supplying half a million large-caliber rounds since the beginning of the year. This information was confirmed by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala during a meeting with President Zelenskyy in Prague on Monday.
In related news, a Russian journalist critical of the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine has fled to France, aided by Reporters Without Borders. Ekaterina Barabash, 64, shared her harrowing journey in an interview with Agence France-Presse, explaining that “Russian prison, it’s not a life. It is worse than death.” Barabash was arrested in February for allegedly spreading “false information” about the Russian armed forces. After escaping house arrest in April, she undertook a challenging two-and-a-half-week journey to France, during which she discarded her electronic monitoring bracelet in a Russian forest.
