On Tuesday, October 27, Moscow came under a drone attack during an international gas summit at which Russian dictator Vladimir Putin spoke. Due to the threat of strikes, airports in the Russian capital restricted their operations, while passengers faced widespread flight delays. The Moscow Times reports this, citing Russian authorities and local media, writes UNN.
Details
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that over the course of two hours, until 6:30 p.m., Russian air defenses allegedly intercepted 16 drones approaching the city. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that 71 drones had been shot down in various regions during the day.
Residents of western Moscow and the Moscow region reported explosions, loud rumbling, and car alarms going off. In particular, explosions were heard in the areas of Barvikha, Rodniki, and Govorovo.
The attack caused chaos at Moscow’s airports
Due to the drone threat, operations at Domodedovo, Zhukovsky, and Vnukovo airports were restricted. According to estimates by Russian media, around 150 flights were delayed or canceled, while some aircraft were diverted to alternate airfields.
At that time, Putin was speaking at the eighth summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum at Moscow’s World Trade Center.
Mobile internet was shut down in central Moscow
Russian authorities also restricted mobile internet within the Third Ring Road, citing security measures.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, the restrictions will remain in effect on October 28–29. In addition, some streets in the city center were partially closed.
There is currently no independent confirmation of the Russian authorities’ claims regarding the number of drones shot down.