Ukraine’s Largest Drone Strike Disrupts Moscow Air Travel
Ukraine’s largest drone strike on Moscow on March 12, 2025, temporarily shut down several airports, causing over 230 flight delays affecting major airlines. The attack demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to penetrate Russian territory and highlights escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict. Casualties were reported, while daily life in Moscow resumed soon after the incident.
On March 12, 2025, a significant drone strike launched by Ukraine on Moscow resulted in the temporary closure of Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky airports. This incident led to more than 230 flight delays, heavily affecting major airlines such as Aeroflot, Qatar Airways, China Eastern, and Emirates, which experienced postponed or rerouted flights.
The drone strike marks the largest such attack on Moscow to date, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. This escalation underscores Ukraine’s growing capability to penetrate deep into Russian territory, resulting in one of the largest disruptions to air travel since the conflict commenced.
While the drone strike occurred, U.S. officials were scheduled to engage with Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia to discuss possible resolutions to the ongoing three-year conflict. Concurrently, Russian forces continued to intensify their offensive operations, particularly around the Kursk region, where they sought to surround thousands of Ukrainian troops.
Tragically, the drone strike caused casualties, claiming the lives of two employees from Miratorg, a major Russian meat producer. A third casualty was reported in Domodedovo, along with 18 injuries, including three children. Damage to residential buildings was also evident, with images of shattered windows circulating in the media.
Despite the disruptions, daily life in Moscow resumed with commuters heading to work, and while the four major airports briefly halted operations, they reopened shortly thereafter. Nevertheless, several flights were redirected to alternative locations.
In response to continuous missile and drone attacks from Russia, Ukraine has escalated its own strikes, focusing on Russian oil refineries, military installations, and early-warning radar stations. Both nations have made substantial investments in drone warfare, which has transformed military strategies throughout the conflict.
In light of the recent drone strike, a senior Russian lawmaker suggested a possible retaliatory strike using an Oreshnik hypersonic missile, previously deployed in Ukraine last November. President Vladimir Putin condemned the Ukrainian attacks against civilian sites, labeling them as acts of terrorism and pledging a firm response.
Although the ongoing conflict shows no sign of abating, President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to broker peace in Ukraine. On the ground, however, Russia continues its military offensive, especially in Kursk, while Ukraine persists in targeting Russian territories with intensified drone assaults. Remarkably, despite the conflict, Moscow experiences notable economic growth aided by increased defense spending, the highest since the Cold War, as both sides brace for further escalation in hostilities.
The recent drone strike on Moscow has highlighted the escalating capabilities of Ukraine in conducting military operations deep within Russian territory, resulting in significant disruptions to air travel. Major airlines suffered setbacks with numerous flight delays, while casualties were reported among civilians. Amidst ongoing discussions of peace, the conflict shows signs of further escalation as both nations prepare for continued confrontations.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
