Drone Attacks Escalate Ahead of Xi Jinping's Visit
Russia: "Attempt to Disrupt Victory Day" vs. Ukraine's Rebuttal
As Russia prepares for large-scale commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day (May 9), which celebrates its triumph in World War II, a series of drone attacks targeting the skies over Moscow have continued. Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for a temporary ceasefire in honor of Victory Day, Ukraine has refused to accept it and is instead mounting counterattacks.
On May 7 (local time), Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced that nine Ukrainian drones had been shot down by air defense systems over Moscow. He also stated that, the previous day, 19 drones heading toward Moscow were destroyed, and an additional eight were downed over the outskirts of Moscow in the evening. In total, 36 drones targeted the Russian capital over the course of two days.
As a result, major Moscow airports, including Sheremetyevo, temporarily suspended operations that morning. Airlines such as Aeroflot canceled or rerouted some flights, leading to ongoing disruptions. Russian aviation authorities stated that they had implemented restrictive measures "to ensure the safety of civil aviation flights."
This latest attack occurred just before the arrival of world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, in Moscow to attend the Victory Day events, heightening tensions. President Xi is scheduled to stay in Russia for four days, from May 7 to May 10, while Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also arrived in Moscow on the same day. A total of 29 heads of state have been invited to the Victory Day ceremony.
In preparation for the Victory Day military parade, Russia has closed roads and subway entrances around Red Square, restricted the operation of mobility services such as taxis, car-sharing, and electric scooters, and tightened security measures. Emergency response authorities have warned that internet access in Moscow may be restricted during the events for security reasons, and residents are already experiencing instability in mobile internet connections.
On February 21 (local time), civilians are undergoing shooting training at a shooting range on the outskirts of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, at a shooting distance of 15 meters. Photo by Yonhap News
President Putin proposed a three-day temporary ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 to coincide with Victory Day, but Ukraine has rejected the offer, stating that it cannot be trusted. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that "the president's proposal remains valid," but also warned that "if Ukraine launches attacks during this period, we will respond immediately." He added, "We are taking all necessary measures to ensure that the Victory Day events are held in a peaceful and stable atmosphere."
Meanwhile, Ukraine has also reported being subjected to Russian airstrikes. According to AFP, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media that Russia had launched four ballistic missiles and 142 drones at Kyiv and other regions, resulting in the deaths of two civilians in Kyiv.
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