Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow: all-clear or new danger?

Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow: all-clear or new danger?

On the night of July 19th to 20th, 2025, Russia again reported Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said at least 14 drones were shot down. Due to Ukraine's military action, numerous helpers are deployed in the affected areas to collect the rubble that has fallen from the sky. However, there is positive news regarding human safety: there are no reports of serious damage or injuries.

As a security measure, air traffic at Moscow's four main airports - Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky - was temporarily suspended. This measure was taken by the Rosawiazija Aviation Authority and shows the seriousness of the situation. However, this is not the first time that such measures have been taken due to Ukrainian drone attacks. Already on March 11, 2025, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that 337 drones were destroyed in various regions of Russia, including 91 in the Moscow region. At that time, a massive attack began at 4:00 a.m. and resulted in severe damage and, unfortunately, human casualties.

Drones as part of the conflict strategy

Ukraine has strategically focused on the attacks in Moscow in order to specifically disrupt the enemy's military supply routes. According to Sobyanin, daily drone strikes are aimed at weakening Russian military resources. It should be noted that the damage and casualties caused by the Ukrainian attacks are disproportionate to the massive Russian attacks on Ukraine itself.

The military activities are a sign of the tense situation between Russia and Ukraine. Russia carries out daily attacks on Ukrainian territory, and despite Ukraine's "Operation Spiderweb" targeting Russian bombers, there is no sign of an end to the aggressive airstrikes. This strategy has led Russia to increase its attacks on civilian targets, which has already led to an increase in airstrikes.

Current developments and outlook

In this tense situation, the Russians also used increasingly sophisticated drone technologies. The use of decoy drones and the ability to attack in large swarms poses major challenges for air defense. Russia also plans to significantly increase the production of the so-called Geran drones in 2025. Meanwhile, Ukrainian air defense efficiency rates have fallen from 85-90% to around 70-75%.

The escalation of the conflict is keeping the international community on tenterhooks, and talks between high-ranking Ukrainian and US officials have already begun in Saudi Arabia. These diplomatic efforts could potentially lead to a detente, although the current situation remains tense and precarious. The negotiations could also raise the possibility of a limited ceasefire in the air and in the Black Sea.

Let's hope that reason prevails and a peaceful solution to the conflict is found before more damage is caused. The situation in Moscow remains tense and the coming days will be crucial to see how the situation develops.