May 22, 2025
Russian airports shut down after Ukrainian drone strikes ahead of Moscow's Victory Day parade celebration.

Ukrainian drone operators monitor a surveillance flight near Bakhmut, Donetsk Region, on July 16, 2023. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images

Moscow, Russia — Ukrainian drone attacks forced Russian airports to temporarily shut down on Tuesday, including several in Moscow, just days before the country’s highly symbolic Victory Day parade.
The Kremlin said 29 foreign leaders will attend the event, commemorating 80 years since the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany.
Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to leverage the May 9 celebration to reinforce support for the ongoing offensive in Ukraine, now entering its third year with tens of thousands dead and large swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine under Russian control.

Kremlin Proposes Truce Amid Ukraine’s Skepticism

The Kremlin reaffirmed plans to observe a three-day ceasefire during the holiday, but Ukrainian officials swiftly rejected it, calling the move “theatrical” and “manipulative.” Kyiv has instead proposed a full month-long ceasefire, suggesting the Kremlin’s gesture was only aimed at safeguarding the high-profile parade.

Attacks on Russian Airports Follows Days After Kremlin Defends Temporary Ceasefire Plan

“President (Vladimir) Putin’s initiative for a temporary ceasefire during the holidays is relevant,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

However, he warned that Russia would respond “immediately” if Ukraine continued hostilities during the truce window starting 2100 GMT on May 7.

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Ukraine reported at least three civilian deaths on Tuesday from Russian attacks, further underscoring the deteriorating security environment.