On Wednesday, authorities said attacks by Ukrainian long-range drones had disrupted Moscow's main airports for the third day in a row.
The attacks come as Russia prepares to host China's president and other international leaders at the annual Victory Day military parade on Red Square.
Russian national carrier Aeroflot has cancelled more than 100 flights to and from Moscow and delayed more than 140 flights due to a partial grounding that officials attributed to the threat from Ukrainian drones and increased security measures ahead of Victory Day events, according to air traffic data.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that Russian air defense forces successfully repelled an attack by nine drones near the capital.
Although Ukrainian drones have previously targeted Moscow, the ongoing attacks appear aimed at disrupting preparations for the 80th anniversary of the victory over the Nazis in World War II, Russia's most significant secular holiday.
The frequent attacks could unsettle Russians, who have been told by President Vladimir Putin that the more than three-year-old war with Ukraine is going well, and potentially embarrass him in front of visiting dignitaries.
Security is expected to be significantly tightened at the main parade on Friday. Foreign dignitaries expected on Wednesday include Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Russia is planning a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire to coincide with the celebrations in Moscow. In March, the United States proposed a 30-day ceasefire in the conflict, which Ukraine accepted, but the Kremlin insisted on more acceptable terms for the ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last weekend that his country could not provide security guarantees for foreign officials planning to attend the Moscow events. Russia could stage provocations and then try to blame Ukraine, he added.
“Our position is extremely clear: we cannot be held responsible for what is happening on the territory of the Russian Federation,” he said.
“They are there to ensure your safety and we cannot make any guarantees.”
Mr Zelensky instructed the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry to recommend that foreign delegations refrain from traveling to Russia during this period.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
