The aerial raid forced the aircraft carrying President Vladimir Putin to land in Saint Petersburg instead of Moscow upon his return from Turkmenistan, media report. At least four aircraft from the Rossiya special flight squadron were forced into holding patterns while air defense units engaged targets over southern Moscow districts, including Kapotnya and Kotelniki. Thetargets included MVSh balloons, which the Russian military identifies as Ukrainian reconnaissance and strike tools.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Putin Lands in Saint Petersburg After Drone Raid Shuts Moscow Airports
War11 days ago
Air travel to and from Russia's capital was paralyzed for nearly seven hours on Thursday after Ukrainian drones and balloons triggered emergency security protocols at all major airports. Moscow's Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky airports suspended arrivals and departures, resulting in more than 370 flight delays and 100 cancellations. One flight to Antalya was delayed for 18 hours, leaving passengers to sleep in terminals as aviation authorities activated the "Carpet" emergency protocol.
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