“Ukrainian drones shot down near Moscow; Five drones destroyed in attempted terrorist act”
In a recent development from the war in Ukraine, five Ukrainian drones were shot down near Moscow and its wider region, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. The ministry issued a statement saying, “This morning, an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist act was prevented.” Four drones were destroyed by anti-aircraft defense near Moscow, while the fifth was neutralized by “electronic warfare means.” Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the Russian capital as all the drones were successfully thwarted.
The attacks did briefly disrupt the operation of Vnoukovo Moscow Airport, with several flights redirected elsewhere. The emergency services reported that two drones were shot down near the village of Valouïevo, located on the outskirts of the capital, while another was knocked out near Koubinka in the Moscow region. These incidents mark a rare instance of drone attacks targeting Moscow, which is located more than 500 km from the Ukrainian border.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a virtual meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), declared that Russia would remain strong in the face of external pressure and sanctions. He thanked the SCO, a group that includes China and India, for their support during the recent Wagner mutiny. Putin emphasized that the Russian people are consolidated and united against any attempted armed mutiny.
In another development, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg will continue to lead the alliance for another year. Stoltenberg expressed his gratitude for the extension of his term, stating that the transatlantic bond between Europe and North America is vital for freedom and security. He has been NATO’s top civilian official since 2014 and his term was extended due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Former Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev issued a warning, stating that if the West does not agree to negotiate with Russia over its Ukraine invasion, the outcome could be “Armageddon.” In an essay published recently, Medvedev echoed inflammatory rhetoric towards Ukraine and the West, aiming to undermine support for Kyiv ahead of the upcoming NATO summit. He implied that Russia is prepared to engage in a broader conflict for decades if its demands are not met.
Lastly, in a tragic incident, at least two people were killed and 16 injured in the city of Sumy after an air raid carried out by Russian drones. Ukrainian authorities reported that four Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones struck the city center, causing significant damage to an office building and two apartment blocks. Criminal proceedings have been initiated under the violation of laws and customs of war.
These developments highlight the ongoing tensions and devastating consequences that persist in the war in Ukraine, with both sides engaged in military actions and political maneuvering. International attention and efforts towards a peaceful resolution remain crucial to ending the conflict and ensuring the safety and well-being of all those affected.