In a dramatic overnight operation, Russian air defenses successfully intercepted 347 Ukrainian drones, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Thursday. This significant assault comes in the wake of Moscow rejecting a ceasefire proposal from Kyiv earlier this week, escalating tensions just ahead of Russia’s Victory Day commemorations.
According to the Defense Ministry, the drones were neutralized across 20 Russian regions, including the capital, Moscow. This marks Ukraine’s second-largest aerial offensive since Russia’s comprehensive invasion over four years ago, surpassed only by an attack last March involving 389 drones.
This latest development unfolds just before Russia’s prominent secular holiday, which celebrates the anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II. In anticipation of the holiday, Russian authorities have unilaterally declared a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Friday and Saturday.
In response, Ukraine had also announced a halt in hostilities starting from midnight on Tuesday. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of ignoring this goodwill gesture and continuing its military aggression.
“Russia has not ceased its military activities. Regrettably, it persists. Ukraine will respond in kind,” Zelenskyy remarked during his nightly video address on Wednesday.
As Russia’s Victory Day celebrations near, tensions continue to escalate, while efforts for peace led by the United States show little progress.
All mobile internet access and text messaging services will be shut down in the Russian capital on May 9, state media reported Thursday, citing the country’s Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media.
Also, a traditional parade in Moscow won’t feature the usual tanks, missiles and other military equipment for the first time in nearly two decades.
Russian authorities say they are concerned about possible Ukrainian attacks, as Kyiv has expanded its long-range drone and missile capabilities.
The Russian Defense Ministry cited the “current operational situation” as a reason for excluding military equipment. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov blamed Ukraine for the scaled-back celebrations and tighter security in Moscow, accusing Kyiv of “terrorist activity,” in an apparent reference to the drone strikes.
The restrictions will include websites on the Russian government’s so-called “white list,” a group of state-approved online services that are kept available during the country’s increasingly common connectivity blackouts.
Home internet and Wi-Fi will be unaffected, officials said.
Ukraine’s air defense shot down 92 of the 102 drones Russia launched overnight, the military said.
Russia maintains a significant advantage in drone numbers, regularly deploying hundreds in a single attack.
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