Russia Says Downed Three Drones From Ukraine

Russia's defense ministry has reported the downing of at least three drones launched from Ukraine, with the intent to target the Russian capital. The defense ministry stated that its air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed two drones over the Kaluga and Tver regions, which share borders with the Moscow region, and one more in proximity to Moscow, over the Istra district within the Moscow region. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin affirmed that the drones were attempting to carry out an attack on Moscow. He added that a consumer services facility sustained damage in the Istra district, located approximately 65 km (40 miles) northwest of the Kremlin. While there were no reports of damage or casualties elsewhere, Reuters could not independently verify the incident's details. Mayor Sobyanin also mentioned that drone debris fell in the Tver region, specifically in the Zavidovo village. Notably, Zavidovo houses "Rus," an official presidential residence palace used by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin's primary residences include the Novo-Ogaryovo residence in the Moscow region and the Grand Kremlin Palace, where official events are hosted. Russian news agencies revealed that nearly 50 flights were canceled or postponed early Tuesday at the four major airports surrounding the capital: Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky. Drone attacks on Russian targets, particularly in Crimea (annexed by Moscow in 2014) and regions along the Ukraine border, have become a frequent occurrence, with almost daily reports since two drones were intercepted over the Kremlin in early May. These attacks have disrupted flights to and from Moscow in recent weeks. Ukraine typically avoids direct responsibility for such drone strikes but asserts that targeting Russian military infrastructure supports Kyiv's counteroffensive launched in June.