Ukraine–Russia

Moscow: Mayor Sobyanin says 144 drones were shot down approaching the capital overnight into 17 October; airports restricted and flights diverted

This version is a correction.

ATTACK
Location
Moscow and approaches (city-level, estimated)
Actors
Ukraine · Russia
Importance
Standard

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said air defences shot down 69 drones approaching the Russian capital during the night of 17 October 2026 and another 75 towards morning, a total of 144, Ukrinform reported, citing the BBC Russian Service. Russia's aviation agency imposed restrictions on arrivals and departures at Moscow airports shortly before midnight, according to ASTRA, and several flights from Antalya to Moscow were diverted, one landing in St Petersburg. Sobyanin said emergency services were working at crash sites; no damage or casualty figures were given in the reports read.

Verification: unverified

Evidence: Drone attacks on Moscow continue since last night

Russian official claims relayed by Ukrinform via BBC Russian and ASTRA; interception counts not independently verified.