Drone Attacks Disrupt Moscow Airports, Challenging Russia's Defenses
Thousands of passengers faced disruption at major Moscow airports on Monday due to Ukrainian drone attacks. The incident highlights the challenge Putin faces in protecting its civilian infrastructure from the conflict in Ukraine.
Ukraine's drone program is causing significant disruption in Russia. Overnight, over a dozen drones were intercepted over the Moscow region, with several shot down near key infrastructure. This led to the suspension of flights at three major airports - Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo - for aviation safety reasons. Videos showed chaotic scenes, with passengers sleeping on floors and departure boards displaying widespread delays and cancellations. The impact on civilians was significant, with many expressing frustration and confusion.
The Kremlin faces a delicate balancing act. It must reassure the public while acknowledging the practical realities of contested airspace. Russia's air defences may claim to have intercepted drones, but they could not prevent the disruption. The latest incident raises questions about Putin's ability to shield its civilian infrastructure from asymmetric warfare. The conflict in Ukraine is now directly affecting Moscow, challenging Putin's image of invulnerability.
The large-scale expansion of Ukraine's drone capabilities, driven by its own production efforts and supported by Western partners, is having a real and visible effect in Russia. As the conflict continues, so too does the challenge for the Kremlin to protect its civilian population and infrastructure.
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