Russian authorities reported on Monday that defense forces successfully intercepted four drones heading toward Moscow. This incident occurred just days ahead of a significant military parade set to take place on Red Square, marking Russia’s World War II anniversary celebrations.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin took to Telegram to inform the public that the drones were neutralized over the district of Podolsk. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties resulting from the incident. Sobyanin noted that emergency services were deployed to the area to assess the situation and ensure public safety.
The upcoming military parade is expected to attract attention from international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who are slated to attend the event alongside President Vladimir Putin’s address on May 9.
Life in Moscow often appears unaffected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with the daily routines of residents continuing as Russian military operations persist. While Ukraine has previously engaged in drone strikes targeting Moscow, such attacks remain infrequent, particularly in urban areas far from the front lines.
In a related development in March, Russia’s defense ministry announced that it had successfully shot down 337 drones in a widespread assault across the country, with a significant number of those intercepts—91—occurring in the vicinity of the capital itself. The events reflect the ongoing tensions and security challenges faced by Russia as it navigates its military and international relationships.