The skies over Moscow recently witnessed a breathtaking, albeit nerve-wracking, sight: the world’s largest cargo aircraft, an Antonov-124, was filmed flying at an alarmingly low altitude, skimming the city’s rooftops. This daring maneuver was reportedly a direct response to an extensive wave of Ukrainian drones that targeted the Russian capital during the night.
The extraordinary footage, circulating rapidly on social media, depicts the colossal Russian Ministry of Defence aircraft, the Antonov-124, soaring just above Moscow’s skyline. Witnesses reported that the plane passed incredibly close to residential towers, narrowly avoiding them from street level. The sound of the massive aircraft, described as a metallic screech and a thunderous roar, echoed through the neighborhood, leaving stunned residents in shock.
Ukraine’s Drone Attack on Moscow
According to reports, the aircraft’s low-altitude flight was a deliberate tactic to evade the Ukrainian drones that were actively targeting Moscow. Russian air defense systems were reportedly mobilized to intercept the incoming unmanned aerial vehicles, marking one of the most significant Ukrainian drone assaults on the city since the conflict began. The Antonov-124, a behemoth of aviation measuring 226 feet in length with a 240-foot wingspan and weighing 450 tons, is a rare sight flying so low over populated areas.
Moscow’s Mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, stated that at least 34 drones were shot down overnight. He also noted that these drone attacks led to considerable disruptions at Moscow’s airports. Sheremetyevo Airport, for instance, temporarily halted flights, forcing many aircraft to divert to other cities. Passengers on a flight from Dubai to Moscow experienced lengthy delays on the tarmac or within terminals, facing challenges with essential supplies.
The impact of drone activity extended beyond Moscow, with similar disruptions reported in European airports. Copenhagen Airport was closed for four hours, and Oslo Airport experienced a three-hour operational halt. Interestingly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later suggested that these mysterious drones might have been part of a Russian sabotage operation.
Russian Missile Attack on Ukraine
In parallel, Russia continued its offensive operations across Ukraine, launching missile strikes that caused significant damage. A missile attack in Odesa’s Tatarbunary region resulted in one fatality and three injuries. In Zaporizhzhia, a residential building was hit by bombs, leading to another civilian death. Donetsk also experienced power outages and damage to infrastructure and homes due to the attacks.