Moscow was forced to close all of its airports after the Russian capital was targeted by a swarm of Ukrainian drones for a second night in a row, as confirmed by Russian officials early on May 6, 2025. The city is currently preparing for its Victory Day celebrations, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two, which is scheduled for May 9. Notably, Xi Jinping, among other world leaders, is expected to arrive in Moscow for the event.
According to Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, at least 19 Ukrainian drones were intercepted before reaching the city, causing no major destruction or injuries. Flights were halted at all four airports serving Moscow for several hours, and several regional airports were also closed, as stated by Russia’s aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia. Reports indicated that a drone struck an apartment building near a major road in the south of Moscow, smashing windows, but thankfully, there were no casualties.
These drone attacks come on the heels of previous disruptions, with flights to Moscow already affected on May 5 due to similar drone activity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Kyiv “cannot be held responsible” for events occurring on Russian territory during the upcoming commemorations, further escalating tensions.
In a related development, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a three-day ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 to coincide with the Victory Day celebrations. However, Zelensky dismissed this ceasefire as a “theatrical performance” meant to protect Moscow during the parade and instead called for an unconditional 30-day truce.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified its military activities in the Kursk region. Reports emerged that Ukrainian forces attacked a major power station in the town of Rylsk, damaging two transformers and cutting off power. The regional governor, Alexander Khinshtein, reported that two individuals were injured in this attack, which occurred on the night of May 5.
Russian war bloggers claimed that Ukrainian troops had fired missiles, breached the border, and crossed minefields in a fresh armored assault in the Kursk area. The Ukrainian military has asserted that its forces successfully struck a Russian drone command unit near Tyotkino on May 4, while also maintaining an active presence in the region.
Despite Moscow's claims of having expelled Ukrainian troops from Russian territory, the situation remains tense. Ukrainian authorities reported that three civilians were killed and several others injured in the Sumy region due to Russian artillery fire. Local officials have ordered evacuations in parts of Sumy that are close to the fighting in Kursk.
General Oleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine's commander-in-chief, stated that the Kursk offensive had “achieved most of its goals,” showcasing Ukraine’s military capabilities while preventing Russia from launching offensives elsewhere on the frontline.
In light of these escalating tensions, the Czech Republic’s Prime Minister, Petr Fiala, announced that a Czech-led ammunition initiative has already supplied Ukraine with half a million large-caliber rounds since the beginning of the year. This support underscores the ongoing international backing for Ukraine amid the conflict.
As the situation develops, the world watches closely. The upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Moscow are set to be the “grandest” yet, according to Russian officials, with Putin expected to address the nation. This event, which commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, has been transformed under Putin's rule into a celebration of statehood and patriotism, with military parades on Red Square becoming a yearly highlight.
Putin’s narrative often draws parallels between the current conflict and the Soviet war effort, justifying military actions in Ukraine as a means of “de-Nazifying” the country. The streets of Moscow are adorned with the Russian tricolor, and shops are displaying posters urging citizens to remember and take pride in the Soviet victory.
As the world leaders prepare to gather in Moscow, the backdrop of drone attacks and military maneuvers raises questions about the stability of the region and the potential for further escalation. With both sides seemingly unwilling to back down, the conflict continues to evolve, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire.
