- As Russia shot down at least three Ukraine-launched drones early Tuesday
- Russian Defence Ministry identifies country’s capital as main target
The Russian Defence Ministry early on Tuesday confirmed that its air defence systems destroyed two drones over the Kaluga and Tver regions, which border the Moscow region, as well as one closer to the capital, over the Istra district of the Moscow region.
According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the drones “were trying to carry out an attack on Moscow”, noting that a consumer services facility was damaged in the Istra district, which is located some 65 km (40 miles) northwest of the Kremlin.
Though the reports could not be independently verified by Reuters, the Mayor Defence Ministry said there was no damage or casualties elsewhere, even as Sobyanin said that drone debris in the Tver region fell in the Zavidovo village.
Earlier, Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces shot down at least three Ukraine-launched drones that were targeting the country’s capital. President Vladimir Putin’s main residences are the Novo-Ogaryovo residence in the Moscow region as well as the Grand Kremlin Palace – where official events are held.
The RIA state news agency said Zavidodvo is home to “Rus”, an official residence palace of the Russian President.
Moscow Airports Resume Normal Operations
Amid the reported drone attacks, Moscow’s two major airports, Vnukovo and Sheremetevo, as well as the Zhukovksy airport resumed normal operations from 7.30 am (04.30 GMT) after a temporary traffic suspension early on Tuesday, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency said.
Russian news agencies reported that almost 50 flights were cancelled or postponed early Tuesday from the four major airports around the capital – Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky.
Drone attacks on Russian targets, especially in Crimea – annexed by Moscow in 2014 – and in regions bordering Ukraine, have become almost a daily occurrence since two drones were destroyed over the Kremlin in early May.
The attacks have disrupted flights in and out of Moscow in recent weeks. Ukraine rarely takes direct responsibility for such drone strikes but says destroying Russian military infrastructure helps a counteroffensive Kyiv began in June. – With The Guardian report
