(MOSCOW, RUSSIA) – Russian authorities reported widespread disruptions across several regions after Ukrainian drones were detected over and near the capital and other major cities, forcing airport closures and highlighting growing pressure on the country’s air defence systems.
Explosions and air defence activity were reported in and around Moscow and in the regions of Bryansk, Kaluga, Tula, Kursk, Oryol, Belgorod and Vladimir. Local officials said emergency measures were activated and civilian flights were suspended for several hours.
The incidents follow a pattern of regular drone activity over Russian territory, which has intensified since the full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Analysts say the frequency of these operations reflects Ukraine’s expanding long range capabilities and Russia’s difficulty in fully protecting its airspace.
A Ukrainian commentator, speaking in an online video, said the current situation contrasted sharply with expectations at the start of the war, when the Kremlin predicted a swift victory. She argued that repeated drone operations now affect dozens of regions and have turned parts of Russia into what she described as a de facto conflict zone.
Russian officials did not provide detailed damage assessments. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin issued a series of online statements confirming air defence responses and temporary flight restrictions. Messaging platforms and regional media reported delays affecting thousands of passengers.
Airports in and around the capital were repeatedly closed as a precaution. Transport authorities said operations were restored once the immediate threat had passed, though further interruptions were possible.
The pressure has been particularly acute in border regions such as Belgorod and Kursk, which have faced regular cross border incidents. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov has previously criticised what he called insufficient air defence coverage and limited federal support for affected residents.
The Ukrainian commentator said some regions had reported power cuts and heating shortages following recent incidents, adding to public frustration during the winter period. Regional officials have acknowledged infrastructure strain but said repairs were under way.
She also referred to discussions at the Munich Security Conference, where Western officials and analysts assessed the strategic impact of the war. Several speakers argued that Russia had failed to meet its initial military and political objectives.
Among those cited was Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who said the invasion had strengthened NATO rather than weakened it, leading to the accession of Finland and Sweden.
The commentator claimed Russian forces had suffered heavy losses while gaining limited territory since 2022. These figures could not be independently verified.
She said Ukraine, by contrast, had expanded its defence industry, strengthened international partnerships and reinforced national unity. According to her, public engagement with Ukrainian culture and history has grown since the invasion.
Western governments have accused the Kremlin, led by the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, of waging an illegal war and targeting civilian infrastructure. Moscow rejects these allegations and says its actions are defensive.
Security experts say Russia faces structural challenges in protecting a vast territory with finite air defence resources. Systems have been concentrated near frontline areas and strategic sites, leaving other regions more exposed.
Russian officials have not commented on claims that air defence units are increasingly being redeployed from occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea and parts of Zaporizhzhia region.
