Russian air defenses intercept nearly 60 drones near Moscow

Russian air defence systems intercepted nearly 60 drones heading towards Moscow early on Monday. The interceptions were reported by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin through a statement posted on Telegram. The mayor indicated that the drones were targeting the capital when they were shot down by air defence systems.

Emergency services were dispatched to the areas where the drones were brought down following the incident. This was done to assess any potential damage or other effects from the downed drones.

The attack caused temporary flight suspensions at four major airports near Moscow. These airports included Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky. The suspensions were put in place as a precautionary measure during the drone activity.

Russia's aviation watchdog confirmed that normal flight operations had resumed at the affected airports. The airports returned to their regular schedules after the situation was resolved.

This incident occurred days after a drone attack on Moscow's only oil refinery. In that previous attack, nearly 200 drones were reportedly downed. The recent events are part of a series of drone strikes that have intensified between Russia and Ukraine.

These strikes have taken place far from the front lines of the conflict. The pattern has been observed since the 2022 invasion. The use of drones in such attacks has become more frequent in recent times. Both sides have engaged in these long-range operations as part of the ongoing hostilities.