Drone attacks forced the temporary closure of Moscow’s main airports, revealing flaws in Russia’s air defense system.
On the night of May 22-23, 2025, Moscow suffered a series of drone attacks, leading to the temporary closure of Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky airports. Russian authorities claim to have intercepted 159 drones in 12 hours, several of which were targeting the capital. These events highlight the vulnerability of critical Russian infrastructure to unconventional aerial threats.
Closure of Moscow airports: a response to aerial threats
On May 22, 2025, at around 11:45 p.m. (Kyiv time), Russian authorities suspended operations at Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky airports due to drone threats. This decision was made after air defense systems detected and shot down several drones approaching Moscow.
The closures had an immediate impact on air traffic. At Sheremetyevo Airport, 29 departing flights and 33 arriving flights were delayed. International flights were also affected, including one carrying an Indian parliamentary delegation, which had to wait several hours before landing.
Moscow’s airports are among the busiest in Russia. In 2019, Vnukovo welcomed more than 24 million passengers, while Domodedovo recorded more than 30 million. The simultaneous closure of these air hubs underscores the seriousness of the perceived threat.
Intensification of drone attacks: a new phase in the conflict
Between May 20 and 22, 2025, Russia reported intercepting 485 Ukrainian drones, marking one of the largest air offensives since the start of the conflict. These aircraft-type drones targeted several Russian regions, including Moscow and occupied Crimea.
On May 22, the Russian Defense Ministry said it had shot down 159 drones in 12 hours, including 35 targeting the Moscow region. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that six drones had been intercepted as they approached the capital.
These attacks demonstrate Ukraine’s increased ability to conduct long-range operations, highlighting gaps in Russian air defenses.
Economic and logistical consequences of airport closures
The closure of Moscow’s main airports caused major disruptions to air travel, affecting thousands of passengers and tons of cargo. Airlines had to reroute or cancel flights, resulting in additional costs and delays.
The tourism, business, and logistics sectors have also been impacted. Businesses dependent on air transport have suffered losses, and confidence in the security of Russian infrastructure has been shaken.
In the long term, these events could prompt international airlines to reconsider their operations in Russia, further affecting the country’s economy.
Implications for Russian defense strategy
The drone attacks have highlighted flaws in Russia’s air defense, particularly in detecting and intercepting small, low-flying threats. Despite the use of advanced systems such as the Pantsir-S1, several drones managed to penetrate Moscow’s airspace.
These incidents could prompt Russia to strengthen its air defense capabilities by investing in more advanced detection technologies and improving coordination between the different branches of its armed forces.
In addition, Russia could intensify its own drone attacks in Ukraine, seeking to deter future offensives and restore strategic balance.
Outlook for the conflict
The recent drone attacks mark an escalation in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, with intensified hostilities and an expansion of the areas targeted. Ukraine’s ability to strike deep targets on Russian territory could change the dynamics of the conflict.
However, these developments reduce the prospects for peace negotiations in the short term. Russia has expressed its willingness to discuss a memorandum for a possible peace treaty, but has rejected a 30-day ceasefire proposed by Ukraine unless it stops its mobilization and the supply of Western weapons.
In this context, the conflict appears to be bogged down, with intensified fighting and diminishing chances for a diplomatic resolution.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.