• Massive Ukrainian drone attacks have disrupted operations at Moscow's major airports.
• Russian Defense Ministry claims to have intercepted over 230 drones in one weekend.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy pushes for new ceasefire talks amid ongoing hostilities.
• The scale of drone warfare is increasing on both sides as pressures mount for negotiations.
• Travel disruptions have caused thousands of passengers to be stranded at Moscow airports.

Moscow's airports have experienced significant disruption due to a sustained series of Ukrainian drone attacks, prompting temporary closures and the cancellation of over 140 flights. Russian officials confirmed that at least 140 flights were cancelled, impacting thousands of passengers who found themselves stranded at airports like Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Domodedovo. Reports indicate that long queues formed as travelers were left waiting, with some resorting to sleeping on the floors of terminals, highlighting the chaos caused by the drone strikes and the subsequent emergency measures taken by airport authorities, according to BBC and Reuters.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that it downed more than 230 drones over various regions, including at least 30 over Moscow. This spike in drone attacks is being interpreted as a strategic escalation ahead of potential ceasefire negotiations proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Notably, these drone strikes come as both Russia and Ukraine ramp up their long-range strike capabilities, with recent reports indicating a total of 426 drone and missile strikes were launched by Russia against Ukraine in a single night, underscoring the increased intensity of the conflict, according to ABC News and ABC News.

Zelenskyy has expressed the urgent need to resume ceasefire talks, stating that “everything must be done to achieve a ceasefire" and that Russia should not evade decisions necessary for peace. This push comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing hostilities, with Ukraine reportedly intensifying its drone operations into Russian territory in response to attacks on its cities. Notably, during a recent round of strikes, at least two people were reported killed in Ukrainian regions as a result of retaliatory airstrikes, revealing the humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict, according to Reuters and BBC.

As both sides prepare for a potential resumption of ceasefire talks, the situation remains tense, with Russian Spokesman Dmitry Peskov commenting on ongoing efforts by President Vladimir Putin to seek a peaceful resolution despite continued military activities. Peskov remarked that achieving a peaceful situation "requires effort and is not easy," reflecting the complexities present in achieving a diplomatic resolution amidst continued military engagements. Analysts are closely watching how forthcoming negotiations might develop in light of increased military posturing, as stated by officials in Moscow, according to ABC News and ABC News.