**Russian Regions Hit by Wave of Drone Attacks**
In a shocking turn of events, several Russian regions were struck by a wave of drone attacks on the night of 7 May. The attacks targeted Moscow and Tula oblasts, as well as Saransk in the Republic of Mordovia.
The drone campaign comes at a sensitive time for Russia, with Victory Day celebrations scheduled to take place on 9 May. Several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, are expected to attend the military parade in Moscow.
However, Ukrainian officials have rejected Russia’s proposal for a three-day truce to mark the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany. Instead, Ukraine has called for a minimum 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia.
**Targets Include Major Defense Facilities**
The drone attacks appear to be targeting major defense facilities and production plants in Russia. In Tula, smoke was visible near two major defense enterprises, JSC “Instrument Design Bureau” and SPLAV Scientific Production Association. These facilities produce precision-guided weapons and rocket systems, including the Grad, Uragan, and Smerch systems.
The Instrument Design Bureau has been under international sanctions since 2014, while the SPLAV State Research and Production Enterprise plays a crucial role in maintaining Russia’s combat capability. The plant was previously attacked on January 21, 2024, resulting in a fire and partial power loss.
**Fiber Optic Production Facilities Also Targeted**
In Saransk, two separate fires were reported following drone strikes, targeting the JSC “Fiber Optic Systems” production plant and a machine-building enterprise. Ukrainian officials have claimed that this facility produces components used in drone guidance systems for the war against Ukraine.
The attack on fiber optic production facilities suggests that Ukraine is seeking to disrupt Russia’s ability to produce drones and other military equipment.
**Aviation Disruptions and Airport Chaos**
The drone attacks have created significant disruption to Russian aviation, with multiple airlines canceling flights to and from Moscow due to airport closures. Passengers report being stranded onboard grounded planes without access to food or water for extended periods.
The attacks also targeted the Kubinka military airfield in Moscow Oblast, which serves as a base for MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets used against Ukraine. Ukrainian drones struck Shaykovka airfield in Kaluga Oblast, which houses Tu-22M3 long-range bombers and stores missiles including Kh-22.
**Commentary**
The drone attacks on Russian regions come at a time when Russia is seeking to project an image of strength and stability ahead of Victory Day celebrations. However, the attacks suggest that Ukraine is determined to disrupt Russia’s military capabilities and undermine its ability to celebrate this event.
The targeting of major defense facilities and production plants suggests that Ukraine is seeking to degrade Russia’s combat capability and prevent it from launching further attacks on Ukrainian cities.
As Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, noted, the strikes also targeted Shaykovka airfield in Kaluga Oblast, which houses Tu-22M3 long-range bombers and stores missiles including Kh-22. This suggests that Ukraine is seeking to prevent Russia from launching further attacks on Ukrainian cities.
**Reactions**
The drone attacks have sparked a mix of reactions from Russian officials and citizens. Some have praised the strikes as a bold move by Ukraine, while others have condemned them as a terrorist attack.
As Russia continues to face pressure from international sanctions and economic woes, the drone attacks may be seen as a desperate attempt by Ukraine to disrupt its military capabilities and undermine its ability to project power.
However, the attacks also highlight the need for dialogue and diplomacy between the two countries. As Ukraine continues to call for a minimum 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia, it is clear that both sides are eager to find a way out of this conflict.
**What’s Next?**
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Russia will respond to these attacks. Will they escalate their military campaign against Ukraine, or will they seek to negotiate a ceasefire?
The international community is watching with bated breath as the two countries navigate this complex and sensitive situation.
