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Ukrainian drone hits upmarket Moscow high-rise ahead of Victory Day celebrations
A Ukrainian drone struck an upscale Moscow high-rise in the early hours of May 4, causing façade damage but no casualties. It followed a stretch of drone activity over Moscow and across Russia as authorities prepared a scaled-back Victory Day parade for May 9, with 117 drones intercepted nationwide the previous night.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing drone activity linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and comes amid heightened security measures around Russia’s Victory Day commemorations.
Timeline
7 Events
Missile strike near Kharkiv reported by Ukrainian authorities
May 4, 2026
On Monday, Ukrainian authorities said four people were killed and 18 were injured in a missile strike near Kharkiv, close to the border with Russia.
Mobile internet restricted in Moscow for security reasons
May 4, 2026
Several local mobile phone operators announced that mobile internet would be restricted in Moscow for much of the week ahead for security reasons.
Kremlin scales back Victory Day parade; no armoured vehicles or missile systems
May 4, 2026
The Kremlin announced a scale-back of the annual Victory Day parade due to a 'terrorist threat' from Ukraine; for the first time since 2008, no armoured vehicles or missile systems will feature in the Red Square parade.
Ukrainian drone hits upmarket Moscow high-rise in early hours
May 4, 2026
An unarmed Ukrainian drone hit an upmarket residential high-rise in southwest Moscow in the early hours of Monday, causing no casualties but visible damage to the façade. An unverified video showed firemen entering a heavily damaged flat; drone debris was reported in the street. Two other drones were intercepted, according to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
Zelensky comments on drones and attacks; Sunday statements
May 3, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that the Kremlin was afraid drones would fly over Red Square. He also cited separate attacks in two Russian ports, including strikes on three Russian oil tankers, a cruise-missile carrier warship, and a patrol boat.
Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports suspended operations overnight
May 3, 2026
Vnukovo and Domodedovo international airports suspended operations overnight as drone activity continued.
Drone attacks across Russia continue; 117 drones intercepted
May 3, 2026
The Russian defence ministry said 117 drones were intercepted over several Russian regions between Sunday and Monday, including 60 aimed at the St. Petersburg region.