Ukraine launches major drone attack on Russia ahead of Victory Day parade

Russian forces intercepted a massive Ukrainian drone attack overnight, shooting down 347 unmanned aerial vehicles across more than 20 regions, the Russian Defense Ministry reported Thursday. The attack, Ukraine’s second-largest since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, comes amid rising tensions ahead of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations.

The extensive drone offensive forced disruptions at Moscow’s three major airports—Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo—with nearly 100 flights delayed or canceled by midday, according to the Moskva news agency. The assault continued into daylight hours Thursday with dozens more Ukrainian drones reportedly launched, some again targeting the Russian capital.

This escalation follows Russia’s rejection of a Ukrainian-proposed ceasefire earlier in the week. Ukraine had announced a suspension of hostilities from midnight Tuesday, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed Moscow disregarded this goodwill gesture and continued its attacks.

“They want Ukraine’s permission to hold their parade—so they can safely take to the square for an hour once a year, and then go back to killing our people and waging war,” Zelenskyy said in his evening address Thursday.

For its part, Russia has declared its own unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine for Friday and Saturday to coincide with Victory Day commemorations, which mark the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The holiday, observed on May 9, is Russia’s most significant secular celebration.

Security concerns have prompted unprecedented measures in Moscow. All mobile internet access and text messaging services will be suspended in the capital on Victory Day, according to state media citing the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media. Additionally, the traditional military parade will not feature tanks, missiles, or other military equipment for the first time in nearly two decades.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Thursday that additional security measures were being implemented due to the “rather complex operational situation,” emphasizing that ensuring citizen safety is “an absolute priority.”

Several foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the Victory Day ceremonies, including Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, and Belarus’ authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko. Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico reportedly plans to meet with Putin and lay flowers at the tomb of the unknown soldier but will not attend the parade itself.

Zelenskyy warned against such diplomatic visits, stating, “An odd desire at a time like this. We do not recommend it.”

The situation has grown increasingly tense, with Russia issuing explicit warnings that it would take decisive action—potentially including a mass strike on Kyiv—if Ukrainian attacks disrupt Victory Day events. Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told journalists Thursday that Russia has “strengthened our focus on the possibility of retaliatory measures.” In an alarming development, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has advised foreign embassies and international organizations in Kyiv to evacuate their offices as a precaution.

Meanwhile, fighting continues on both sides. Ukraine’s military reported intercepting 92 of 102 Russian drones launched overnight. In the northeastern city of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest urban center, a Russian drone strike wounded nine people, including three children, according to local officials.

As diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction, Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council head Rustem Umerov was in the United States Thursday preparing to meet with Trump administration representatives, Zelenskyy confirmed.

The ongoing drone exchanges highlight the evolving nature of the conflict, with both sides employing unmanned systems in increasing numbers. Military analysts note that Russia maintains a significant numerical advantage in drone capabilities, regularly deploying hundreds in single attacks while Ukraine has focused on improving its long-range strike capabilities.