On July 5, Russian air defenses intercepted four drones targeting Moscow, prompting a temporary halt to outgoing flights at Sheremetyevo Airport, one of the capital’s main airports. Rosaviatsia, Russia’s aviation authority, cited safety concerns and airspace restrictions due to strong winds as reasons for the flight suspensions. At Sheremetyevo, 174 flights were canceled and 47 more were delayed, causing significant passenger congestion at the airport. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that it had intercepted 120 drones over the past day, underscoring the growing threat posed by Ukraine’s drone campaign.
Ukraine’s ongoing drone strikes are part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russian logistics and infrastructure beyond the front lines. This approach has increasingly impacted civilian air travel in Russia, with multiple airports across the country experiencing flight delays and cancellations. The Kyiv Independent reported that Rosaviatsia noted temporary flight halts at other Russian city airports, including Pulkovo in St. Petersburg and Strigino in Nizhny Novgorod. These disruptions highlight the strategic impact of Ukraine’s drone operations, which aim to cripple Russia’s logistical and industrial capabilities, potentially slowing its military operations and affecting its economy.
The latest drone attack on Moscow followed an earlier Ukrainian strike on the Borisoglebsk airfield in Voronezh Oblast on July 5. Ukrainian forces reportedly damaged a warehouse containing guided bombs, aircraft, and other military assets, with the attack targeting Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM jets stationed there. The strike coincided with a broader overnight drone campaign across Russia, with explosions and fires reported in at least six regions. NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) detected a fire near the Borisoglebsk airfield shortly after the strike, while residents in the area reported 8–10 powerful explosions around 2 a.m. local time.
Despite the reported damage, the Ukrainian military’s strikes continue to face scrutiny. While Ukraine’s General Staff claimed successful operations, the Kyiv Independent noted that independent verification of these claims remains challenging. The ongoing conflict’s use of drone technology reflects its evolving nature, with both sides employing advanced tactics to achieve strategic objectives. The broader implications of these strikes include potential disruptions to Russia’s supply chains and its ability to sustain military operations, marking a significant shift in the conflict’s dynamics.