Ukrainian drones strike Moscow, closing airports as a major parade approaches. Zelensky accuses Putin of manipulation. What will happen on May 9?
Imagine a night when Moscow’s sky, usually illuminated by neon lights and stars, is crossed by furtive shadows. During the night of May 5 to 6, 2025, Ukraine orchestrated a series of daring attacks, sending dozens of drones on Russian territory, notably targeting the capital. A few days before the major commemorations of May 9, celebrating the victory over Nazi Germany, this event rocked Russia, disturbing airports and infrastructure. But beyond explosions and debris, it is a war of symbols, declarations and strategies that are played out. Why this attack now? And what will the repercussions be?
An unprecedented air offensive
While Russia is preparing to welcome world leaders for a major military parade, Ukraine has chosen this precise moment to strike. Ships of drones, launched from Ukrainian positions, have flew over several Russian regions, with a particular focus on Moscow. Local authorities reported that ** 19 drones ** targeting the capital have been neutralized by anti-aircraft defense systems. No deaths were reported, but debris damaged structures, such as a cracked supermarket display case or a blackened building facade.
It was not an isolated attack. Other regions, including Voronej, Penza, and the border area of Koursk, have also been targeted. In Koursk, two adolescents were injured, and power outages have affected several localities. These strikes, although limited in terms of material damage, have an immense psychological and strategic impact.
“Drones are not only targeting physical targets, they send a message: Ukraine can strike where Russia feels safe.”
Massive airport disruptions
Chaos was not limited to heaven. Four major Moscow airports – ** Chérémétiévo **, ** Domodiédovo **, ** Vnoukovo ** and ** Joukovski ** – had to impose temporary restrictions, some completely closing their tracks for several hours. This measure, dictated by the need to protect airspace, has led to delays and cancellations of theft, affecting thousands of travelers.
Further on, airports in cities like ** Nijni Novgorod **, ** Samara **, ** Saratov ** and ** Volgograd ** also suspended their operations. These disturbances, although temporary, underline the ability of Ukraine to disorganize the Russian infrastructure, even hundreds of kilometers from the front.
| Airport | Ville | Measures taken |
|---|---|---|
| Chérémétiévo | Moscow | Temporary restrictions |
| Domodien | Moscow | Temporary closure |
| Nijdi Novgorod | Nijdi Novgorod | Flight suspension |
Timing charged with symbols
Why now? The choice to knock on the approach of ** May 9 **, the day of victory over Nazism, is not trivial. This date is crowned in Russia, marked by a large military parade on the Red square, in the presence of foreign leaders such as the Chinese president ** XI Jinping ** or the Brazilian president ** Lula da Silva **. Ukraine, by targeting Moscow at this precise moment, sends a clear signal: it can disturb the key moments of Russia.
The Ukrainian president, ** Volodymyr Zelensky **, also described the Russian proposal as a three-day ceasefire for “staging” commemorations. According to him, Russia would seek to manipulate international opinion by pretending a desire for peace, while continuing its military operations.
“We don’t know what Russia will do on this date. It could cause fires, explosions, and accuse us.”
Volodymyr Zelensky, 2 mai 2025
For its part, Russia retaliated verbally. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Zelensky of directly threatening the security of the veterans and participants in the May 9 celebrations. This war of words illustrates the intensity of tensions as this event approaches.
A technological and psychological war
The drones used by Ukraine are not simple devices. They embody a major technological advance, capable of knocking at long distance with formidable precision. These attacks show that Ukraine has developed an offensive capacity that goes beyond conventional front fights.
For Russia, these incursions are a challenge. Although anti-aircraft defense systems have intercepted most drones, their simple presence above Moscow-a symbol of power-is a humiliation. This reinforces the idea that war, triggered by Russia in 2022, is far from being under control.
- Psychological impact: The attacks shake the feeling of safety of the Russians.
- Strategic message: Ukraine proves its ability to strike far.
- Diplomatic consequences: Tensions with guest countries are increasing.
The ceasefire: Peace or strategy?
Russia has announced a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to 10, presented as a gesture of good will for commemorations. But Ukraine remains skeptical. Zelensky recalled that similar truces in the past have not been respected, accusing Russia of using them to reposition its forces.
The United States has proposed a 30-day ceasefire, accepted by Ukraine but rejected by Russia. This disagreement highlights the difficulty of finding common ground, while each camp seeks to maximize its strategic advantage.
“The objective of this truce is to test the provision of kyiv to lasting peace.”
Dmitri Peskov, Porte-Parole du Kremlin, 3 May 2025
International repercussions
These attacks are not limited to a bilateral confrontation. They have global echoes. The presence of foreign leaders in Moscow for May 9 Place Russia under pressure: it must guarantee their security while responding to Ukraine. Any escalation could complicate diplomatic relations with countries like China or Brazil.
In Ukraine, a Russian strike killed the region of Odessa, recalling that the two camps continue to tackle tirelessly. This cycle of violence makes the perspectives of peace uncertain, especially with the approach of such a symbolic date.
“Each drone, each explosion, is a reminder that war is far from over.”
What can we expect from May 9?
The next few days will be crucial. The May 9 parade, a moment of national pride for Russia, will take place under high tension. Ukraine has proven that it could strike at the heart of Russian territory, and Zelensky has not excluded new actions. Russia, for its part, could respond with counterattacks or strengthen its defenses.
For international observers, the question is whether this escalation will lead to a dialogue or an intensification of the conflict. The ceasefire proposals, although fragile, could open a window for negotiations, but distrust remains deep.
- Optimistic scenario: The two parties respect a temporary truce.
- Pessimistic scenario: New attacks aggravate the situation.
- Probable scénario: A tense coexistence, without major progress.
In conclusion, Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia mark a turning point in this conflict. They show that Ukraine is capable of bringing war on Russian soil, defying the absolute control narrative of Moscow. As May 9 approaches, the world retains its breath, observing if this symbolic date will be a moment of peace or a catalyst for a new escalation. One thing is certain: each drone that crosses the sky is a reminder that war, with its technologies and its issues, continues to evolve.
