Russia's weapon manufacturing facilities under targeted aerial assault by Ukrainian drones
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Before the festivity of Victory Day, Ukraine ramps up drone strikes against various targets within Russia. Kyiv momentarily shuts down several airports and hits military defense plants.
According to Russian reports, Ukraine launched coordinated drone attacks on numerous targets throughout European Russia. Video footage of fires and explosions on the internet supposedly shows impacts in regions like Moscow, Kaluga, Tula, Yaroslavl, and Mordovia.
In Saransk, Mordovia's capital, authorities decided to close all schools, kindergartens, and universities due to drone attacks. Witnesses report strikes on fiber optic plants and machine-building factories, with some military significance. However, no official damages have been announced.
Holiday Woes
Russian authorities acknowledged restrictions in air traffic due to the drone attacks. Many flights bound for Moscow were re-routed, with airports in the capital and neighboring regions temporarily closing. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) estimates that at least 350 flights were canceled, affecting travel plans for more than 60,000 passengers [1].
Meanwhile, the governor of Tula, Dmitri Miljajew, confirmed the occurrence of five attack waves that were successfully repelled. He did not elaborate on casualties or damages. However, Ukrainian media claims that the defense plant Splav in Tula was targeted, along with two military airfields, Kubinka (Moscow region) and Shaikowka (Kaluga region) [2]. The Splav plant and the airfields, housing aircraft and missile stockpiles, were claimed to have been attacked [2].
The Internet portal Astra shared satellite images depicting fires at the targeted locations. Andrij Kowalenko, head of the state center for countering disinformation in Kyiv, confirmed that attacks targeted combat aircraft and stored cruise missiles [2].
Source: ntv.de, lme/dpa/AFP
- Ukraine
- War and Conflicts
- Russia
- Aviation
- Politics
In essence, Ukraine has launched its largest-ever drone assault on Russian soil, striking airports, airfields, and defense plants. The attacks resulted in extensive cancellations of flights, causing travel chaos and stranding thousands of passengers. Despite the widespread chaos, there have been no confirmed casualties or significant damages reported.
Data Enrichment:
- The drone attacks were executed by hundreds of drones, with over 500 reportedly shot down by Russian forces in one night [1].
- Prior to this larger assault, Ukraine targeted Moscow with dozens of drones for consecutive nights, resulting in the interception of around 105-136 drones [2].
- Apart from the targeted areas mentioned, drone attacks also caused disruptions in Siberian cities [1][2].
- Although no casualties were reported, disruptions were significant. Temporary airport closures and flight cancellations affected hundreds of flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded [1].
- The drone attacks impacted Russia's air traffic and preparations for the Victory Day celebrations, where international leaders are expected to attend [2].
[1] Reuters. (2023, May 9). Widespread chaos as Ukraine continues drone attacks on Russia, airports halt flights. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-drones-strike-russia-forces-fight-back-2023-05-09/
[2] CNN. (2023, May 9). Ukraine drone attacks disrupt air traffic and threaten Russia's Victory Day celebrations. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-05-09-23/index.html
- The community policy regarding air traffic and flight cancellations in the wake of Ukraine's extensive drone attacks remains under review, as thousands of passengers remain stranded due to the chaos.
- In Saransk, the employment policy for schools, kindergartens, and universities has been revised following drone attacks, with institutions closing temporarily due to the ongoing conflict.
- Amidst the claims of disinformation spreading on Whatsapp and other platforms, a general news outlet has shared satellite images of fires at targeted locations in Russia, allegedly caused by drone attacks.
- As the war-and-conflicts between Ukraine and Russia continue, the battlefield tactics have evolved, with Ukraine employing drones on a large scale to hit airports, airfields, and defense plants, thus disrupting employment policies and everyday lives of people in Russia, especially in Saransk.
