Moscow, 18 May 2025 — Russian authorities have announced the interception and destruction of multiple Ukrainian drones targeting areas near Moscow and the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine.
According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, air defence systems neutralised a drone approaching the capital’s Lyubertsy district early Monday morning. Initial assessments indicate no casualties or damage, and emergency services are currently on-site.
The Russian Defence Ministry corroborated the incident, attributing the attempted incursion to Ukrainian forces. Additionally, the ministry reported the downing of two drones over the Bryansk region. Details regarding potential damage or casualties in Bryansk have not been disclosed.
These events are part of a broader escalation in drone activity. In recent days, Russia has reported intercepting a significant number of Ukrainian drones across various regions:
| Region | Drones Intercepted |
| Moscow | 20 |
| Bryansk | 59 |
| Tula | 2 |
| Other Regions | 63 |
| Total | 144 |
These figures underscore the intensified use of drone warfare in the ongoing conflict.
The increased drone activity has also impacted civilian infrastructure. Notably, Moscow’s Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports experienced temporary suspensions of operations due to security concerns. Such disruptions have become more frequent, with previous incidents causing significant delays and affecting thousands of passengers.
The strategic use of drones by Ukrainian forces aims to target key Russian infrastructure and military assets. In response, Russia has bolstered its air defence systems around critical areas, including the capital and border regions.
As the conflict continues, both nations are increasingly relying on unmanned aerial vehicles to gain tactical advantages, marking a significant shift in modern warfare dynamics.