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Russia Foils Drone Attack on Moscow as Ceasefire Tensions Escalate
Russia intercepts drone attack on Moscow ahead of May 9 parade. Putin calls for 72-hour ceasefire, but Ukraine demands 30-day truce. Meanwhile, Russia continues bombardment, and Ukraine targets Kursk.
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-05
Russia Foils Drone Attack on Moscow as Ceasefire Tensions Escalate

In a move that appears to be aimed at unsettling preparations for Russia's Victory Day military parade, the Russian capital was the target of a drone attack on Monday. According to Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, Russian air defence systems intercepted four drones flying towards the city, with no reported injuries or damage. However, the attack led to a temporary suspension of air traffic at Domodedovo Airport, highlighting ongoing security concerns ahead of the May 9 event marking the end of the Great Patriotic War (World War II).

Details of the Attack

Sobyanin confirmed the interception of the drones, which appear to have been an attempt to disrupt preparations for Russia’s significant military parade. Although the situation caused a brief halt to flights, aviation authorities reported that air traffic was restored within 90 minutes. In addition to Moscow, Russian officials reported downing 17 drones over the Bryansk region and 5 more over Kaluga, suggesting a widespread attempt to target Russian infrastructure.

Ceasefire Proposals and Diplomatic Tensions

The drone strike comes just days before President Vladimir Putin’s proposed 72-hour unilateral ceasefire from May 8, in honor of Victory Day. Putin’s government has framed the pause in military operations as a humanitarian gesture, with foreign leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and others, expected to attend the event in Moscow.

However, the proposal has not been well-received by Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the ceasefire as “unserious”, arguing that Russia continues its daily bombardments on Ukraine, undermining any goodwill. Zelenskyy emphasized that while Russia seeks a ceasefire to improve its global standing, it continues to attack Ukraine’s cities.

Zelenskyy also warned that Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of any foreign dignitaries attending the event, urging Russia to take responsibility for its own security during the proposed truce. The Ukrainian government has instead called for a 30-day ceasefire to allow for broader peace talks, a proposal that Russia has firmly rejected.

Continued Hostilities

Despite the upcoming ceasefire, Russia has continued its bombardment of Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces shooting down 42 of 116 drones launched in an overnight attack on Monday. At least 11 people, including two children, were injured in Kyiv during the assault, while other areas like Cherkasy were also targeted. Civil infrastructure and residential buildings were reported as damaged.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have also targeted Russia’s western Kursk region, with reports of missile strikes pushing through the border. This follows recent reports of Ukraine having temporarily occupied parts of the Kursk region before being pushed back by Russian forces.

Mixed Reactions from Russia

The drone attack and subsequent escalation in hostilities have created internal divisions within Russia. Some officials have expressed concern that continuing military operations during the proposed ceasefire could further inflame international condemnation. However, hardline factions, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, advocate for continued military action, rejecting calls for negotiations and any form of truce.

Looking Ahead

As the May 9 parade approaches, the situation remains tense, with military operations continuing on both sides despite calls for a ceasefire. The drone attack on Moscow is a reminder of the volatility surrounding the ongoing conflict and the challenges in reaching a long-term resolution.

 
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Moscow

Ceasefire

RussiaUkraineWar

DroneAttack

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