Russian air defence units shot down five Ukrainian drones headed for Moscow on New Year’s Eve, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said. The drones were intercepted before reaching the city, preventing any major impact or damage. Sobyanin shared updates through Telegram early Thursday morning.
Specialist teams are examining fragments of the drones at the locations where they fell. Authorities have not reported any casualties or significant property damage so far. The incident appears contained, but investigations are ongoing.
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Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport imposed temporary restrictions as a precaution during the drone attacks. Other airports in southern and central Russia also faced short-term operational limits. Authorities monitored the situation closely to ensure public safety.
The interceptions highlight ongoing tensions and drone activity amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russian officials emphasized the readiness of air defence systems to respond quickly to aerial threats. Experts note this may signal an increase in drone usage in the conflict.
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Authorities continue to assess the situation and review security measures. Moscow residents were briefly alerted but no injuries or damages were confirmed. Officials are expected to release a full report after completing their analysis.