Russian air defense forces intercepted dozens of Ukrainian drones heading towards Moscow at a crucial moment for the Kremlin, with the arrival of international leaders such as Miguel Díaz-Canel, Xi Jinping, and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who will attend the commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany.
The mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, reported on Telegram that at least 19 Ukrainian drones were destroyed in the last few hours as they approached the capital. In total, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported 105 intercepted drones in various regions of the country, marking one of the largest airstrikes to date.
No victims, but with an impact on security
Although no casualties or serious damages were reported, fragments from several drones fell on key infrastructures, including a major road in Moscow. As a precautionary measure, four airports temporarily suspended operations.
The Russian authorities confirmed that emergency teams are working in the impact areas and highlighted the work of the air defenses, which managed to prevent greater consequences just hours before the annual military parade in Red Square, scheduled for May 9.
Díaz-Canel arrives in Moscow, and Putin delegates the reception to a deputy minister of Foreign Affairs
The Cuban leader, Díaz-Canel, arrived in Moscow this Tuesday and was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and a protocol officer from the Russian State, in a scene that, beyond its symbolic nature, highlights the subordinate position of the Havana regime in its increasingly asymmetrical relationship with the Kremlin.
Despite the official media Granma attempting to lend solemnity to the Cuban leader's trip, highlighting that "he arrives in the Russian Federation, among other motivations, to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations," the truth is that the international context in which this trip occurs raises significant questions.
In the midst of the war between Russia and Ukraine, an invasion condemned by much of the international community, Havana insists on strengthening ties with a regime marked by war crimes and increasing diplomatic isolation.
At the height of a summit of strategic allies
The attack occurs in a context of high international visibility for Russia. The capital is hosting several key allies of Vladimir Putin's regime this week, as part of a diplomatic reinforcement agenda in response to the isolation Moscow is facing due to the invasion of Ukraine.
The presence of Díaz-Canel, in particular, has been highlighted by the official Cuban press as part of the strategic rapprochement between Havana and Moscow in areas such as defense, energy, and telecommunications. Security during these visits has been notably reinforced.
A military and symbolic message
Drone attacks in Moscow have intensified in recent weeks, and although Ukraine does not usually directly claim such actions, Russian authorities accuse Kiev of trying to sabotage preparations for the military parade and sending a symbolic message of defiance to the Russian power structures.
With foreign leaders present and under international scrutiny, the Kremlin faces the dual pressure of demonstrating military strength and maintaining the appearance of internal stability, just as it commemorates one of the most sacred dates of its nationalist narrative.
Frequently asked questions about the interception of Ukrainian drones and Díaz-Canel's visit to Russia
How has Russia responded to the Ukrainian drone attacks?
Russia's air defense forces have intercepted dozens of Ukrainian drones heading towards Moscow, according to reports from the Russian Ministry of Defense. A total of 105 drones were reported intercepted in various regions of the country, making it one of the most massive air attacks to date.
What is the context of Miguel Díaz-Canel's visit to Russia?
The visit of Miguel Díaz-Canel to Russia takes place in the context of the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany and aims to deepen the strategic relations between both countries. This visit takes place amid the war between Russia and Ukraine, where Cuba has maintained its support for Moscow, which has led to international criticism.
What has been the impact of the drone attacks in Moscow?
Although no casualties or severe damages were reported, the remnants of several drones fell on key infrastructures, including a major highway in Moscow. As a precautionary measure, four airports temporarily suspended operations to ensure safety.
How has Russia received Díaz-Canel during his visit?
Díaz-Canel was received by the Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Ryabkov, which highlights the subordinate position that Cuba occupies in its relationship with the Kremlin. This reception underscores the asymmetry in the relationship between both governments, despite the Cuban regime's attempts to strengthen the strategic alliance.
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