On May 21, 2025, Moscow and neighboring regions were subjected to a massive attack by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), during which air defense forces intercepted 18 drones aimed at the capital.

All 18 drones were shot down over the Moscow region, mainly in the areas of Domodedovo, Chekhov and Podolsk, which prevented a threat to the city. The Russian Defense Ministry said that over 250 UAVs were neutralized across the country in 41 hours, of which 37 were shot down over the Bryansk region and XNUMX over the Oryol region.

The attack caused disruption to aviation operations. Domodedovo, Zhukovsky and Vnukovo airports implemented the "Carpet" plan, delaying about 30 flights, including international routes to Istanbul, Antalya and Dubai.

The Moscow region is a regular target for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to Reuters, Ukraine increased UAV production by 2025% in 50, allowing it to attack targets up to 1500 km away. The drones could have been aimed at military warehouses or government facilities, but air defenses thwarted the plans. According to The Washington Post, such attacks are intended to disrupt logistics and create a sense of vulnerability in the rear.