Tensions escalated in the Russian capital early Wednesday as Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted operations at multiple Moscow airports, forcing flight delays and temporary closures just hours ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s scheduled arrival for a four-day state visit.
The pre-dawn aerial assault marked the third consecutive night of drone incursions into the Moscow region, showcasing Ukraine’s increasing ability to project power deep into Russian territory, even as global attention turns to the Kremlin’s highly choreographed diplomatic showcase.
According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, Russian air defense units intercepted and neutralized at least 14 drones between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. No fatalities or significant structural damage were reported, but flight operations at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo international airports were temporarily suspended.
Russia’s national carrier, Aeroflot, confirmed that several inbound and outbound flights were rescheduled or rerouted as a result of the strikes. The disruption caused widespread inconvenience to passengers and added urgency to security preparations for the upcoming Victory Day celebrations.
President Xi Jinping’s visit comes at a pivotal time for Russia’s global positioning, particularly as the Kremlin seeks to deepen ties with key non-Western allies amid continued isolation from Western powers due to its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Xi is expected to join at least 29 other world leaders in Moscow for events commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The Victory Day parade, scheduled for May 9, is an annual symbol of Russian national pride, and this year’s edition is poised to serve as a key platform for President Vladimir Putin to project resilience and military strength in the face of international sanctions and battlefield setbacks.
Military contingents from 13 countries, including a significant Chinese presence, are scheduled to participate in the parade through Red Square. Analysts say Xi’s attendance is not only a diplomatic endorsement of Putin’s regime but also a reinforcement of Beijing’s own strategic interests as it navigates growing tensions with the West.
The four-day visit is expected to feature bilateral talks focused on trade expansion, defense cooperation, and joint energy projects, with several key agreements likely to be signed. Sources close to the diplomatic mission noted that both sides are keen to showcase a united front against perceived Western hegemony.
While Russia prepares to host one of the largest diplomatic gatherings on its soil since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Kyiv has intensified its campaign of targeted strikes aimed at disrupting the Kremlin’s narrative of control and normalcy.
The repeated drone assaults on Moscow are emblematic of Ukraine’s evolving strategy to bring the war closer to Russia’s political heartland. Though Ukraine rarely claims direct responsibility for cross-border drone attacks, military analysts say the pattern aligns with Kyiv’s broader effort to undermine Russia’s logistics, morale, and international image.
Wednesday’s attack follows a string of drone incidents in recent weeks that targeted oil refineries, military depots, and transportation hubs across western Russia, all timed around major diplomatic events or Russian offensives.
President Putin, who has consistently framed the conflict in Ukraine as a continuation of Russia’s historic fight against fascism, is expected to invoke the memory of the 27 million Soviet citizens who died during World War II to justify ongoing military operations and rally domestic support.
In recent remarks, Putin accused Western governments of attempting to “rewrite history” by downplaying the Soviet Union’s pivotal role in defeating Nazi Germany. The Victory Day events, and Xi Jinping’s presence in particular, offer the Kremlin an opportunity to counter that narrative with a potent mix of historical symbolism and modern alliances.
However, the timing of the drone attacks has cast a shadow over the celebrations, underscoring the vulnerability of Russia’s capital to asymmetric threats and raising questions about the effectiveness of its air defense systems, especially when global dignitaries are in attendance.
China has maintained a delicate balancing act throughout the Ukraine conflict, positioning itself as a neutral peace broker while continuing to expand economic and political ties with Moscow. Xi’s visit will be closely watched by Western capitals for signs of deeper strategic coordination between the two nuclear powers.
While China has not provided Russia with direct military aid, it has increased purchases of discounted Russian oil and gas, offered diplomatic support at the United Nations, and promoted alternative global institutions that challenge the Western-led order.
The visit also comes amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, where China faces its own strategic rivalry with the United States. For both Putin and Xi, the Moscow summit serves as a powerful signal that they are prepared to chart a path independent of Western influence.
As Moscow recovers from the latest wave of Ukrainian drone attacks and prepares for its most politically charged Victory Day in recent memory, the convergence of war, diplomacy, and historical memory sets the stage for a high-stakes week in global politics.
President Xi Jinping’s arrival not only reaffirms China’s partnership with Russia but also highlights the shifting dynamics of international alliances in an increasingly multipolar world.
Whether Ukraine’s strikes will overshadow Russia’s carefully planned show of strength remains to be seen—but the message from Kyiv is clear: the war is far from over, and even Moscow is not beyond reach.