In a significant escalation of tensions between Ukraine and Russia, a series of drone attacks carried out by Ukrainian forces has led to substantial disruptions at 13 Russian airports early on Tuesday. According to reports from Russian media, these disruptions were confirmed by Russia's air transport safety agency, highlighting the growing impact of the ongoing conflict on civilian aviation.

The drone strikes primarily targeted Moscow, affecting all four major airports in the capital: Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky. However, the repercussions of these attacks extended far beyond the capital, as flight restrictions were also enforced at airports in several other cities, including Kaluga, Volgograd, Saratov, Samara, Ivanovo, Nizhny Novgorod, Yaroslavl, Kazan, and Nizhnekamsk. The disruptions come at a critical time as Moscow gears up for the Victory Day parade scheduled for Friday, which commemorates the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II.

This year’s Victory Day celebrations are particularly significant, as they will feature the attendance of high-profile leaders from Russia's allied nations. Among those expected to participate are Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, joining Russian President Vladimir Putin in a display of solidarity amidst the ongoing geopolitical strife.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a stark warning over the weekend, stating that his government could not guarantee the safety of foreign delegations arriving in Moscow for the parade. This statement underscores the heightened risks associated with the conflict, particularly as Russian military operations continue unabated in Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasized, “We cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation,” a remark that reflects the tense atmosphere as international diplomatic efforts are overshadowed by military actions.

The situation remains fluid, and as the world watches the developments in Ukraine and Russia, the implications of these drone attacks could have broader consequences for international relations, particularly with regards to military cooperation and security in the region.