**Moscow’s Airports Hit by Ukrainian Drone Strikes**
Russia’s capital, Moscow, was caught off guard early on June 8 when a wave of Ukrainian drone strikes targeted the city and its surrounding regions. The attacks forced authorities to temporarily close two major airports, Vnukovo and Domodedovo.
According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, air defense units started intercepting drones around 4 a.m. Between 5:59 a.m. and 8:19 a.m., they successfully downed 10 drones in separate waves. Emergency services were deployed to the crash sites after each incident.
The drone strikes disrupted passenger traffic and caused delays at the two airports, which are among Moscow’s busiest hubs. Operations were suspended around 6:53 a.m. local time.
**Russia Says 61 Drones Launched**
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that 61 Ukrainian drones were launched between the evening of June 7 and the morning of June 8. The ministry said the drones targeted Russian territory, including occupied Crimea, as well as several regions in western Russia: Bryansk, Belgorod, Kaluga, Tula, Oryol, and Kursk.
However, Ukraine’s military has yet to comment on the attack, and it is unclear whether they can confirm or deny Russia’s claims.
**A New Wave of Drone Strikes**
This latest incident marks a new wave of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Moscow and key Russian infrastructure. In recent months, Kyiv has stepped up its long-range drone campaign against Russia.
While most drones are intercepted before reaching the capital, the threat has caused repeated disruptions to civilian air travel. According to data from Rosaviatsia, Russia’s aviation agency, there have been at least 217 temporary airport closures across Russia since January 1 due to Ukrainian drone raids.
The attacks have also had significant impacts on travel plans for thousands of passengers. On the nights leading up to Russia’s Victory Day on May 9, drone strikes prompted widespread flight restrictions that affected more than 60,000 travelers.
**Self-Defense or Provocation?**
While Ukraine has not publicly commented on the latest attacks, defense officials in Kyiv have consistently described strikes on military and logistical targets inside Russia as legitimate acts of self-defense amid Moscow’s ongoing aggression. However, Russia views these actions as provocations and an escalation of tensions between the two countries.
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