• Ukrainian drone attacks caused significant flight disruptions in Moscow, stranding at least 60,000 passengers and affecting hundreds of flights.
• Strikes targeted Russian strategic defense industry facilities, including arms plants and airbases, impacting the production and maintenance of key military equipment.
• Russia's proposed ceasefire for Victory Day was dismissed by Ukraine as a 'theatrical performance,' further escalating tensions and highlighting the ongoing conflict.

In the days leading up to Russia's Victory Day parade, Ukrainian drone attacks have caused substantial disruptions across Moscow's airports and have targeted key Russian defense industry facilities. These attacks have resulted in the stranding of tens of thousands of air passengers and have raised concerns about the security of strategic military installations. The timing of these events, coinciding with Victory Day commemorations and a proposed Russian ceasefire, has significantly heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

• What: Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow airspace and Russian defense industry facilities caused significant disruptions and damage.
• Who: Key actors include the Ukrainian military, Russian Ministry of Defense, stranded air passengers, President Vladimir Putin, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and various international entities.
• When: The events occurred in the days leading up to Russia's Victory Day on May 9th, with disruptions reported over a three-day period.
• Where: The primary locations are Moscow and surrounding airports, as well as various Russian cities including Saransk, Tula, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan, Kirov, and Nizhnekamsk. Attacks also occurred in Kyiv, Ukraine.

The Ukrainian drone attacks represent a strategic effort to disrupt Russian operations and undermine the symbolic importance of Victory Day. Targeting defense industry facilities aims to degrade Russia's military capabilities, while the airspace disruptions highlight vulnerabilities in Moscow's air defense systems. The international community's response, including warnings against attending the Victory Day parade, underscores the political isolation Russia faces due to the ongoing conflict. Ukraine's rejection of the proposed ceasefire further demonstrates the lack of progress towards a peaceful resolution.

"We think they [Russians] are asking for too much."

"theatrical play"

Estonia does not intend to support the event in any way. We have stressed to our European Union colleagues that as Russia is a country that launched and continues a war in Europe, participation in propaganda events organised by them should be ruled out.

The Ukrainian drone attacks have significantly disrupted Moscow in the lead-up to Victory Day, exposing vulnerabilities in Russia's defense and causing widespread travel chaos. These events, coupled with the failed ceasefire proposal, underscore the ongoing conflict and the deep divisions between Russia and Ukraine. The situation remains fluid, with potential for further escalation and international repercussions.