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Russian air defences shoot down four drones headed for Moscow, mayor says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on July 5, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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Russian air defences shoot down four drones headed for Moscow, mayor says
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(Reuters) -Russian air defences shot down four Ukrainian drones headed for Moscow on Saturday, the city's mayor said, while one of the capital's main airports temporarily halted outgoing flights.

Moscow Mayor Reports Four Drones Shot Down by Russian Air Defenses

(Reuters) -Russian air defences shot down four Ukrainian drones headed for Moscow on Saturday, the city's mayor said, while one of the capital's main airports temporarily halted outgoing flights.

Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said emergency services were working at the sites of the downed drones, but gave no information on potential damage.

The Defence Ministry said 94 drones had been destroyed over Russia overnight on Saturday and 45 more between 0800 MSK (0400 GMT) and 1350 MSK.

Outgoing flights at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport were temporarily paused on Saturday before they were later lifted, Russia's Rosaviatsia aviation authority said, citing "restrictions" over the capital's airspace as well as strong winds.

Rosaviatsia said incoming and outgoing flights at airports in several other Russian cities were also temporarily halted, including at St Petersburg's Pulkovo airport, citing safety concerns.

(Reporting by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Jan Harvey)

Key Takeaways

  • Russian air defenses shot down four drones near Moscow.
  • Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport temporarily halted flights.
  • 94 drones destroyed over Russia overnight.
  • 45 more drones intercepted later in the day.
  • Airspace restrictions and strong winds cited as reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many drones were shot down over Moscow?
Russian air defenses shot down four Ukrainian drones headed for Moscow.
What actions were taken at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport?
Outgoing flights at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport were temporarily paused due to the drone incidents.
What did the Defence Ministry report regarding drone activity?
The Defence Ministry reported that 94 drones had been destroyed over Russia overnight on Saturday.
Were there any other airports affected by the drone incidents?
Yes, incoming and outgoing flights at several other Russian airports, including St Petersburg's Pulkovo airport, were also temporarily halted.
What did the mayor say about the damage caused by the drones?
Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that emergency services were working at the sites of the downed drones but did not provide information on potential damage.

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