Local Telegram channels posted videos of explosions in and around Russia’s capital, Moscow, as drone attacks reportedly began in the evening of 22 September. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, Russia’s air defense have remained active for over 15 hours, allegedly downing 43 drones by 12:25 p.m. on 23 September. Currently, it is unclear if the attack has caused any damage.

Moscow under drone attack since 22 September evening

Authorities in Moscow say the capital came under sustained drone attack beginning in the evening of 22 September, with the city’s air defenses remaining active throughout the night and into 23 September.

The first public message from Mayor Sergei Sobyanin came at 19:30 on Saturday, announcing that emergency services were responding as drones approached Moscow. He did not confirm any hits, but said air defense had intercepted UAVs and that specialists were working at impact sites.

Over the next 15 hours, Sobyanin posted 19 separate updates, each claiming that additional drones had been destroyed.

Ukrainian and Russian Telegram channels published videos featuring the sound of air defense-linked explosions and drones flying over several locations in Moscow Oblast.

Russian MoD’s claims

Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that air defense systems had intercepted 69 drones across Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Kursk, Rostov, Ryazan, Samara, Saratov oblasts, the Moscow region, and Russian-occupied Crimea. 

Airport shutdowns

Following the start of the attacks, Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow enacted its emergency “Carpet” protocol. Flights were rerouted to other cities and airports. Russian outlet Baza also reported a full closure of the airspace above Moscow. In addition to Sheremetyevo, airports in Kazan, Nizhnekamsk, and Gelendzhik imposed temporary flight restrictions due to the drone threat, according to Rosaviatsiya.