Ukrainian forces launch drone strikes on Russian military air display teams ahead of Victory Day parade

In the early hours of May 7, Ukrainian drones struck the Shaykovka air base in Russia’s Kaluga Region and the Kubinka air base near Moscow, according to reports from the independent outlet Astra, citing unnamed sources. The Kubinka base is home to the elite Russian aerobatic teams “Strizhi” (lit “Swifts”) and “Russkiye Vityazi” (lit. “Russian Knights”), both of which have long participated in high-profile state events, including the annual Victory Day parade on May 9.

The attack on Kubinka was confirmed by the pro-Russian aviation-focused Telegram channel Fighterbomber, which noted the possible symbolic intent behind the strike.

“They’re trying to ruin our parade and are hitting the locations of personnel and equipment involved in it… The aerial segment of the parade won’t be affected by this strike, but still — the very fact of it,” the channel wrote.

Fighterbomber is reportedly closely affiliated with the Russian Aerospace Forces.

Even if it does not end up affecting the parade, the recent wave of drone attacks has disrupted not only military operations but also civilian aviation across Russia. Numerous airlines have been forced to cancel or divert flights destined for Moscow, while temporary flight restrictions were imposed at Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports. As a result, St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport became overcrowded due to delays and rerouted flights. Similar disruptions were reported in other Russian cities.

As noted by the independent outlet Agentstvo (lit. “The Agency”), Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport — where foreign delegations are expected to arrive for the Victory Day celebrations — suspended operations for 10 hours following a drone strike.

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that it intercepted and destroyed 524 Ukrainian drones overnight, making it the largest drone assault since Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The ministry also claimed to have shot down several rockets during the same wave of attacks.