Russian airspace disrupted by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles
In early July 2025, a series of Ukrainian drone attacks have disrupted air traffic across multiple airports in Russia, causing significant disruptions and chaos.
The heart of the chaos was felt at Russia’s busiest hub, Sheremetyevo Airport, where drone strikes forced a seven-hour shutdown, leading to the cancellation of 174 flights and delays for 47 more. Passengers were left stranded for long hours, with many having to sit or lie on floors due to a lack of seating in terminals.
Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg also experienced temporary flight restrictions, with 104 outbound flights facing delays exceeding two hours on the following Monday, and multiple cancellations. The city of Kirow, approximately 800 kilometers northeast of Moscow, also experienced a halt in air traffic due to Ukrainian drone disruptions.
Other regional civilian airports such as those in Saratov, Samara, and Ulyanovsk were not left untouched, collectively stranding over 80,000 passengers. The city of Kaluga reportedly saw seven Ukrainian drones destroyed.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted and shot down over 200 Ukrainian drones over a recent weekend, including 120 drones during the night of July 5-6 alone. Two drones were intercepted by air defense in St. Petersburg, and six Ukrainian drones approaching the Russian capital were reportedly shot down by Russian forces.
Despite official statements from Rosaviatsia claiming that all airports were operating normally by Monday, flight schedules and reports from passengers evidenced ongoing delays and cancellations affecting hundreds of flights and hundreds of thousands of passengers.
These developments mark a significant escalation in Ukraine's strategic drone operations, demonstrating their capability to strike vital civilian infrastructure deep within Russia, disrupt military and transport logistics, and create widespread panic and logistical nightmares—not only for Russian military targets but also for civilians.
The state news agency Tass reported on the disruptions in air traffic in Russia, highlighting the conflict’s evolving impact on Russian air traffic and civilian life. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Russia will respond to these ongoing drone attacks and the disruptions they are causing.
Politicians are closely monitoring the evolving situation in Russia, as Ukrainian drone attacks have disrupted general news headlines, including those about war-and-conflicts and politics. Meanwhile, the chaos caused by these drone attacks is not only affecting military operations but also civilians, as airport disruptions and cancellations have stranded thousands and disrupted normal life.
