**Russia’s Airports Under Pressure: Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Takes Toll**
In a significant escalation of its drone campaign, Ukraine has been targeting Moscow and surrounding regions with hundreds of kamikaze drones. The move has forced at least 217 temporary airport closures across Russia since January 1, according to data from Rosaviatsia, the country’s state aviation agency.
This surge in disruptions reflects a strategic shift in Ukraine’s tactics, as its forces aim to put pressure on Russia even in areas far from the border with Ukraine. Serhii Bratchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Defense Army’s Southern Division, explained that Moscow is the largest aviation hub in the Russian Federation, and disrupting air travel there would have a significant impact on the country’s internal control.
The campaign has had a major effect on Russia’s airports, forcing temporary flight restrictions that disrupted travel plans for at least 60,000 passengers. Just shy of two weeks of calm were followed by another wave of drone attacks, with the Russian Defense Ministry claiming that 485 Ukrainian drones were downed over three days.
**A Psychological and Economic Impact**
The disruptions have not only affected aviation but also had a psychological impact on passengers and cargo clients. Bratchuk highlighted that due to Russia’s vast geography, air travel is essential for maintaining connectivity, and disruptions in aviation could increase the risk of regional disintegration and public unrest.
While experts believe the immediate economic costs for Russia are manageable, suggesting the campaign’s primary objective is not to disrupt the economy. Ukraine’s drone campaign is also intended to serve a military purpose beyond financial disruption, forcing Russian air defense systems into a constant state of alert.
**Testing the Limits**
By targeting Moscow and surrounding regions with increasing numbers of drones, Kyiv appears to be testing the limits of the Kremlin’s ability to protect its own territory – a tactic that could lay the groundwork for future strikes with greater precision and deeper penetration. As Bratchuk noted, this is one element that would enable their combat drones to strike more effectively at military targets.
**The Future of Ukraine’s Drone Campaign**
As Ukraine continues to push the boundaries of its drone campaign, it remains to be seen how Russia will respond. One thing is certain – the pressure on Moscow’s airports and air defense systems will only continue to grow, as Kyiv aims to make the Russian population pay for the war.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
