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More than 50 Moscow-bound drones intercepted by Russia, mayor says
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More than 50 Moscow-bound drones intercepted by Russia, mayor says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 7, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: May 8, 2026

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Russia Intercepts Over 50 Drones Headed for Moscow, Mayor Confirms

Details on Drone Interceptions and Official Responses

Mayor Sobyanin's Announcement

May 8 (Reuters) - Russian air defence units have intercepted more than 50 drones heading for Moscow over a period of about 15 hours, according to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. 

The running total of drones downed between about 11 a.m. (0800 GMT) on Thursday and 2 a.m. on Friday exceeded 50, Sobyanin said in a long series of dispatches on Telegram announcing the interception of drones throughout Thursday.

Emergency Response

Emergency crews were examining debris on the ground, he said.

Defence Ministry Statements

Russia's Defence Ministry, posting separately on Telegram, said 95 Ukrainian drones had been intercepted over a four-hour period ending at midnight in various regions of central and southern Russia.

Ceasefire Announcement

Commemoration of Soviet Victory

Russia's Defence Ministry said it would observe a three-day ceasefire starting at midnight on the night of May 7-May 8 until May 10 in connection with commemorations of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. 

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Stephen Coates)

Key Takeaways

  • Mayor Sobyanin reported over 50 drones headed toward Moscow were intercepted between 11 a.m. May 7 and 2 a.m. May 8, with debris under investigation.
  • Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed 95 Ukrainian drones were downed across central and southern Russia in a separate four‑hour window ending at midnight.
  • The three‑day ceasefire from May 7–8 to May 10 coincides with Victory Day commemorations, amid heightened security and preceding a major drone assault by Ukraine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many drones bound for Moscow were intercepted?
More than 50 drones heading for Moscow were intercepted by Russian air defence units.
When did the drone interceptions take place?
The interceptions occurred between about 11 a.m. on Thursday and 2 a.m. on Friday.
Who reported the Moscow drone interceptions?
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported the interceptions via Telegram.
What did Russia's Defence Ministry report about drone activity?
The Defence Ministry reported 95 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in central and southern Russia over four hours.
Was a ceasefire announced in Russia during this period?
Yes, a three-day ceasefire was announced for May 7–10 in connection with World War Two commemorations.

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