A series of drone attacks targeted two major airports in Moscow today, causing flight delays and cancellations, and sparking fears of a terrorist attack.
The drones were carrying explosives and attempted to crash into the runways and terminals of Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports, but were intercepted by Russian security forces before they could cause any damage or casualties.
The attacks were claimed by a previously unknown group called “Free Donbass”, which said that it was acting in solidarity with the pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, who have been fighting against the Ukrainian government since 2014.
The group said that it was retaliating for Russia’s support for the separatists, and that it would continue to target Russian infrastructure and interests until Russia withdraws its troops and weapons from Donbass.
The Ukrainian government quickly denied any involvement or connection with the group, and blamed Russia for staging a false flag operation to justify its aggression against Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he condemned any acts of terrorism, and that he was ready to cooperate with Russia to investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Zelensky also said that he hoped that the attacks would not derail the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, which are scheduled to resume next week in Paris under the mediation of France and Germany.
The attacks also have implications for the international community, as they raise tensions and suspicions between Russia and its neighbors and allies.
The U.S. and NATO have expressed their solidarity with Russia and condemned the attacks as unacceptable acts of violence. They have also urged both sides to exercise restraint and avoid escalation.
The U.S. and NATO have also reiterated their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Donbass based on the Minsk agreements.