Russian Air Defence Downs Ukrainian Drones Ahead of Major Parade

Russian air defence forces intercepted four Ukrainian drones near Moscow, according to the city's mayor. Airports in the Moscow and Kaluga regions were temporarily closed. The incidents occur as Moscow prepares to host world leaders for a military parade commemorating WWII victory.

Russian air defence forces successfully intercepted four Ukrainian drones approaching Moscow, according to the city's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin.

The incidents happened as Zhukovsky airport in the Moscow region and the Kaluga airport, south of the capital, were temporarily closed. The Russian Defence Ministry reported downing 524 drones in the past day, but did not provide specific locations.

This development comes as Moscow gears up to welcome over 20 world leaders for a military parade commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. High-profile figures, including China's Xi Jinping, have already arrived in the Russian capital.

(With inputs from agencies.)