Moscow under unprecedented UAV barrage as air defences engage

Ukraine deployed a massive swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles against Moscow on August 18, sending as many as 620 drones toward the metropolitan area. Russian air‑defence systems successfully engaged and destroyed roughly 180 of the craft, while the rest were either intercepted on the ground or fell harmlessly. Emergency responders were on the scene where drone fragments landed, but initial statements indicated no loss of life or extensive property damage. The attack forced temporary closures at Vnukovo, Zhukovsky and Domodedovo airports and limited activity at Sheremetyevo, reflecting concerns over air‑space safety during the ongoing war.