Jessica Rawnsley, Jaroslav Lukiv & Victoria Bourne
BBC News
Mash/Telegram
Footage of large crowds at Moscow’s airports was shared on Russian social media
Local officials report that at least 60,000 passengers have been stranded at airports across Russia due to a massive Ukrainian drone attack.
According to Russia’s Association of tour operators (Ator), 350 flights have been affected in Moscow, St Petersburg, Sochi, and other cities since Tuesday evening.
The Russian defence ministry claims that 524 Ukrainian drones were destroyed in the past 24 hours, with no reported casualties.
Ukraine states that a Russian drone and missile attack overnight in Kyiv resulted in the deaths of two people.
The situation escalated as a self-declared Russian three-day ceasefire was set to begin on Wednesday night, ahead of a World War Two victory parade in Moscow on 9 May.
Despite the ceasefire proposal, Kyiv rejects it as a “theatrical play” and continues to push for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire supported by European allies and the US.
Russia has imposed tough pre-conditions for any potential settlement, leading to criticism from Ukraine and European politicians who see it as an attempt to prolong the conflict and force Kyiv to surrender.
US Vice-President JD Vance expressed concerns over Russia’s demands, calling for dialogue between the two countries.
Amid the chaos, several airports in Moscow and other cities have experienced flight disruptions, with hundreds of flights being cancelled or delayed.
The air traffic issues coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow for the upcoming military parade commemorating the victory over Nazi Germany.
The situation further escalated when Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s plane had to make an emergency stop in Baku due to drone attacks across Russia, facing airspace restrictions from Baltic republics.
Despite these challenges, Russia continues to prepare for the military parade, with world leaders scheduled to attend and commemorate the historic victory.
As tensions rise, both Russia and Ukraine are calling for increased pressure on each other, further complicating the prospects for peace talks.
The situation remains volatile as both sides continue to engage in military actions and diplomatic maneuvers.
Jessica Rawnsley, Jaroslav Lukiv & Victoria Bourne
Europa y Ucrania celebran el Día de la Victoria en Europa el jueves.