Ramped-Up Security in Moscow: Coping with the Aftermath of Drone Attacks Ahead of a Momentous Victory Day
Kremlin Reinforces Safety Measures for Victory Parade Amidst Recent Ukrainian Drone Raids - Escalation in Security Measures Following Ukrainian Drone Strikes at Post-War Festivities,, Organized by Kremlin
The city of Moscow is bracing for an unprecedented state of affairs, as a series of Ukrainian drone strikes in the lead-up to May 9 has left the capital in a whirlwind of chaos.
In the face of these attacks, the Kremlin has taken drastic measures to ensure the forthcoming World War II end celebrations, known as Victory Day, proceed smoothly. Dozens of foreign leaders, among them Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, have started arriving in the city, with more expected.
Amongst the arrivals, Serbian President Vučić, who also plans to hold bilateral talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, found himself thrown off course when his flight was diverted to Baku due to complications arising from Moscow's turbulent airspace.
The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, addressed the ongoing risks, maintaining that necessary steps have been taken to guarantee a peaceful and secure environment for the commemorative events. Yet, Peskov also announced that internet restrictions would be put in place to safeguard Moscow's safety, citing the unstable political climate in the region.
These drone attacks have not only caused turbulence in air traffic, with major Moscow airports like Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky impacted by multiple shutdowns and heightened security alerts, but also resulted in significant travel disruptions for VIPs, as well as everyday passengers.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its air strikes in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force reported 187 drone and five ballistic missile launches directed at Ukraine between Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon, with 81 of these drones and two missiles intercepted. In Kyiv alone, a tragic incident claimed the lives of a mother and her son, and injured seven others, including four children.
As the geopolitical tension persists, US Vice President JD Vance has called for Russia and Ukraine to engage in direct negotiations to end the conflict, which he classified as "the next big step" towards a ceasefire. The US government has been actively mediating the dispute between Russia and Ukraine, with no substantial progress so far, leading US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to contemplate halting the mediation efforts by the end of April.
In a surprising move, Chinese President Xi plans to extend his visit to Moscow for four days. During his stay, over one hundred Chinese soldiers will participate in the military parade on Red Square, while several bilateral agreements are anticipated to be signed between Beijing and Moscow.
Though Beijing characterizes itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, it has yet to criticize Russia's military offensive in the neighboring nation. China and Russia maintain a close relationship, with China providing crucial technological components to Russia's arms industry, a move that the West views as threatening.
In the shadow of these escalating tensions and disruptions, the world watches with bated breath as Moscow prepares for an unprecedented Victory Day celebration, reflecting on Russia's remarkable history and foreshadowing the uncertain future ahead.
Sources
- RFE/RL. (2025, May 7). Moscow Flight ChaosAfter Series of Drone Attacks Targeting Capital. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.rferl.org/a/return-to-normal-operations-for-moscow-airports-after-ukrainian-dronestrikes-threaten-Victory-Day-celebrations-may-9-2025/31787337.html
- Sputnik News Agency. (2025, May 7). Multiple Russian Airports Experience Flight Delays and Cancellations Due to Drone Swarms. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://sputniknews.com/20250507/multirussian-airports-flight-delays-cancellations-drones-ukrayina-conflict-278058115.html
- The Moscow Times. (2025, May 8). Major Russian Cities Scramble to Protect Airspace Following Drone Attacks. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/08/major-russian-cities-scramble-to-protect-airspace-following-drone-attacks-a75165
The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and the Ukrainian President, Dmitry Peskov, have been responding to the aftermath of drone attacks in Moscow, leading to heightened security measures. Chinese President Xi Jinping, among other foreign leaders, arrived in the city despite travel disruptions caused by the attacks. The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, announced internet restrictions to safeguard Moscow's safety. The Russian military continues air strikes in Ukraine, causing conflict and tragedy. Responding to the ongoing conflict, US Vice President JD Vance has called for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to reach a ceasefire. Despite acting as a neutral party, China has not yet criticized Russia's military offensive in Ukraine.
