Ukraine Deploys Drones Launched From Weather Balloons to Disrupt Moscow Airports
The tactic has led to widespread flight delays and cancellations across multiple Russian airports.
Ukraine has employed an unconventional tactic, releasing kamikaze drones from high-flying weather balloons, in an effort to disrupt operations at Moscow's airports. Images circulating show a drone suspended beneath what is described as a weather balloon, a method reportedly used to carry the drones to target areas at high altitude before release.
Kremlin war channels indicated that this tactic, attributed to Ukrainian efforts, aims to create chaos and close airspace around the Russian capital. According to reports, this has resulted in nearly 1,000 delayed or canceled flights across Russia, fueling frustration with Ukraine's escalating disruptions to air traffic.
Major airports experienced significant disruptions. Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow saw massive gridlocked queues as thousands of passengers were stranded. By early afternoon, the airport reported 84 delayed flights and 45 cancellations. Smoke was observed near Sheremetyevo, with suspicions of an unmanned aircraft crash in the vicinity, and some reports suggested proximity to a Rosneft oil depot.
Vnukovo Airport, utilized by Russian officials and VIPs, reported 119 delays and ten cancellations. Passengers at various airports have described waiting for extended periods, with flights held elsewhere unable to proceed to Moscow. Novosibirsk, Siberia's largest airport, experienced around 100 disrupted aircraft, while St. Petersburg's Pulkovo reported 138 delays or cancellations.
Passengers in Moscow have voiced complaints regarding a lack of information from authorities. One passenger on a Pobeda Airline flight reported that children on board had run out of food.
While the Russian Defense Ministry claims to have downed 2,690 Ukrainian drones in the preceding two-and-a-half days, Ukraine asserts that responsibility lies with Russian President Vladimir Putin for continuing the conflict. Ukrainian national security commentator Andriy Kovalenko remarked on the situation, stating that the consequences of Russian actions are manifesting as constant transportation disruptions, and that Russia must bear the repercussions of its chosen path.
