Russian airports face chaos with 60,000 passengers stranded due to Ukrainian drone strikes, coinciding with complex geopolitical developments and a fragile ceasefire proposal.**
60,000 Air Travelers Affected by Ukrainian Drone Strikes Amid Russian Ceasefire Tensions**
60,000 Air Travelers Affected by Ukrainian Drone Strikes Amid Russian Ceasefire Tensions**
Massive disruption across Russian airports following intense drone attacks, raising fears and international diplomatic tensions.**
At least 60,000 passengers are currently stranded at various airports in Russia following a significant series of Ukrainian drone attacks, local authorities have confirmed. According to the Russian Association of Tour Operators (Ator), approximately 350 flights have been disrupted since Tuesday evening across major cities such as Moscow, St Petersburg, and Sochi. Reports indicate that Russia's defense ministry claims to have destroyed 524 Ukrainian drones within the past 24 hours, a record if verified, with no casualties announced.
In a related incident, Ukraine reported a Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv that resulted in two fatalities, further complicating the situation as a self-declared Russian three-day ceasefire was set to commence prior to a World War II victory parade scheduled for May 9. Ukraine has dismissed the ceasefire as a "theatrical play" and reiterated calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, supported by allies in Europe and the U.S. Meanwhile, tough pre-conditions from Russia for any settlement have been criticized by Ukraine and various European leaders as a ploy to extend the conflict.
At a press briefing, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance expressed concerns over Russia's demands, suggesting they are overly stringent while emphasizing the importance of dialogue between the two nations. In Moscow, airports including Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, and Domodedovo reported significant disruptions, with 110 flights canceled. Notably, video footage from St Petersburg showed long queues of planes stranded on the runway, as passengers faced delays of several hours.
The air traffic chaos coincided with the arrival of foreign leaders in Moscow for the military parade, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reports of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic having to make an emergency landing due to drone-related threats highlight the pervasive anxiety surrounding air travel in the region. Russian officials have indicated that 27 world leaders are expected for the celebrations, though numerous European leaders face restrictions due to regional tensions.
The planned ceasefire by Russian President Vladimir Putin was intended to align with commemorations of the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, but ongoing aggression has raised doubts about its viability. The conflict has escalated since February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, now controlling significant portions of Ukrainian territory.
In response to continued threats, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has called for intensified international pressure on Russia following the recent attack in Kyiv that claimed lives and resulted in injuries across multiple regions in Ukraine. As the situation unfolds, Ukraine's foreign ministry warns against foreign troop involvement in Russian commemorations, labeling it as an unacceptable endorsement of war crimes.
With geopolitical dynamics shifting rapidly, both nations navigate a landscape fraught with diplomatic pitfalls, as the ongoing war casts a long shadow over commemorative events.
