MOSCOW — A major Ukraine drone attack on Moscow caused widespread disruptions to air travel, forcing the temporary closure of several Moscow airports just hours before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s scheduled arrival. The aerial assault marked the third consecutive day of drone strikes targeting the Russian capital.

According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, Russian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed at least 14 Ukrainian drones between 10 p.m. Tuesday and early Wednesday morning. The drone strike disrupted operations at key Moscow airports, leading national carrier Aeroflot to adjust flight schedules in response to the ongoing security threat.

This surge in Ukraine’s drone warfare coincides with heightened diplomatic activity, as over two dozen world leaders — including Xi Jinping — gather in Moscow for World War Two Victory Day celebrations on May 9. The Kremlin confirmed that 29 global leaders will attend the commemorative events, with military delegations from 13 nations, including China, set to participate in the parade.

Xi Jinping’s four-day state visit to Russia underscores the growing China-Russia alliance. With trade tensions simmering between Beijing and Washington, Xi’s trip is expected to solidify the countries’ “no limits” strategic partnership. China remains Russia’s largest trading partner, and both leaders are poised to sign key bilateral agreements.

Victory Day, observed on May 9, holds deep emotional significance in Russia and across the former Soviet Union. The Soviet Union lost 27 million people during World War Two, including millions from Ukraine. The annual celebration commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany and the symbolic raising of the Soviet flag over Berlin’s Reichstag in 1945.

President Vladimir Putin continues to emphasize this historic legacy, using the memory of Soviet sacrifice to foster national unity and push back against what he calls Western efforts to diminish Russia’s role in defeating Nazism.