Ukrainian forces launched a new drone attack on Moscow on Oct 27, triggering explosions and temporary flight restrictions at the city’s airports while President Putin addressed the Gas Exporting Countries Forum. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that air defenses intercepted 16 drones, while residents reported explosions in western Moscow and the surrounding regions of Barvikha, Rodniki, and Govorovo. Monitoring channels also reported the presence of small balloons in the air, some of which were suspected of carrying explosives or smaller UAVs.
The strike follows a more extensive attack on Oct 23 that paralyzed the capital’s aviation hubs, resulting in the temporary closure of Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky airports. That incident led to the cancellation or delay of more than 340 flights and forced the evacuation of passengers at Sheremetyevo after drone debris landed on the airport grounds. Russian authorities claimed to have shot down at least 17 drones during the Oct 23 incursion.