Massive drone attacks on Russian airports disrupt travel for 60,000 people of Ukrainian origin.
Rewritten Article:
Say goodbye to your travel plans, buddy, as Ukrainian drone attacks have sent chaos rippling through Russia's skies! Hundreds of flights have been axed, delayed, or diverted, leaving at least 60,000 travelers high and dry—just in a day's work!
You best believe Moscow's airports have been hit the hardest, especially ahead of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of World War II's end. At Sheremetyevo, Russia's largest hub, a staggering 40 flights have been grounded. Meanwhile, 60 more planes due to land there got redirected to faraway airports like Pulkovo in St. Petersburg, causing nationwide mayhem.
Over 50 flights endured delays of an hour or more, leaving 350 departures up in the air so far, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).
International flights weren't immune either—they too faced disruptions.
But don't think this mess is over yet; the number of affected flights is expected to climb even higher! A statement from ATOR reads, "These cancellations and delays are far from the end of the story. Aircraft that don't make it to their destinations on time will cause subsequent flights to be disrupted as well."
Wanna know something crazy? Russia's Defense Ministry bragged about shooting down 524 drones in a single day! As Russia gears up for a grand military parade on Friday to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, they've been shelling Ukraine daily and prepping to host international state guests.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, but Ukraine and the United States dismissed it as symbolic, calling for a minimum 30-day ceasefire instead. Meanwhile, Ukrainian troops are reportedly willing to freeze fighting with Russia for three days and establish a 30-kilometer-wide security strip, as well as propose European countries like France, Britain, Germany, and others to monitor the airspace west of the Dnipro River.
But let's get back to the drone attacks: Ukrainian drones hit several Russian regions overnight, including Moscow and its surrounding areas, southern regions like Kaluga and Tula, northern regions like Yaroslavl, and the republic of Mordovia. To protect the kiddos, authorities closed all schools and universities in Saransk, Mordovia's capital, after drone attacks. Though no official damage has been reported, independent sources hint that critical infrastructure, such as a fiber optics factory and a machinery plant essential for military production, may have been targeted.
On the Ukrainian front, at least two people were killed in Kyiv when debris from downed drones struck residential buildings, causing fires across various neighborhoods. Various sources report that eight people, including four children, were injured amid the mayhem.
But here's some good news: Moscow residents might encounter unexpected internet issues up to Saturday, as the Kremlin prepares for state guests during the celebrations. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, did admit that there might be restrictions on mobile internet during this period due to "understandable reasons" and the "dangerous neighborhood we're in." Complaints about temporary mobile internet outages have been on the rise in Moscow, especially in the capital, for days now.
In summary, Ukrainian drone attacks have unleashed a wave of chaos across Russia, disrupting the passenger journeys of over 60,000 people and grounding numerous flights, with more likely to follow. The attacks have hit four major Moscow airports, causing mass delays, cancellations, and diversions.
- The disruptions in Russian airports due to drone attacks are not only affecting domestic flights but also international ones, making travel plans uncertain for tourists worldwide.
- In the midst of the chaos caused by drone attacks, Russia's defense ministry has confirmed shooting down 524 drones in a single day, highlighting the ongoing tension between Russia and Ukraine.
- Despite the escalating war-and-conflicts, politics and general news continue to dominate headlines, with the impending military parade in Russia being affected as well, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
- The drone attacks have not only caused accidents and delays but have also resulted in unfortunate incidents of crime and justice, such as the death of at least two people and injuries to eight, including children, in Kyiv.
- Even amidst the turmoil, there are other issues to consider, such as temporary mobile internet outages in Moscow due to the influx of state guests during the celebrations, making it challenging even for locals to stay informed about the rapidly evolving events.
