Russian officials say their air defences shot down 347 Ukrainian drones overnight, with intercepts reported over more than 20 regions, including Moscow. The claim marks what Moscow called Ukraine’s second-largest aerial campaign since the 2022 invasion, while Kyiv has also reported shooting down dozens of drones. The strikes and counterstrikes came as Victory Day approaches, prompting heightened security in Moscow — including a planned mobile internet and texting blackout on May 9 and the removal of heavy equipment from the parade.
Russia Says It Shot Down 347 Ukrainian Drones Overnight as Victory Day Security Tightens
A police boat patrol the waters of the Moskva River near Red Square decorated for the celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany at World War II during the Victory Day military parade rehearsal in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, May 7, 2026, backdropped by the St. Basil's Cathedral. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Russian authorities said they intercepted 347 Ukrainian drones overnight, in what Moscow described as a major assault following Kyiv’s earlier ceasefire proposal and amid heightened concern over security ahead of Russia’s Victory Day events.
The Russian Defence Ministry said incoming drones were destroyed over more than 20 regions, including around Moscow. Moscow characterized the barrage as Ukraine’s second-largest aerial campaign since the full-scale invasion began in 2022 — the biggest came last March, when 389 drones were reported launched.
Separately, Ukraine’s military said it had shot down 92 of 102 drones that Russia launched overnight in a different exchange, underscoring conflicting tallies and the chaotic fog of war. Independent verification of either side’s full claims was not available.
Both countries have stressed different measures and responses as Russia’s Victory Day — the country’s most prominent secular holiday commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II — approached. Russian officials announced a unilateral ceasefire inside Russia for May 9-10, while Kyiv earlier announced a temporary suspension of hostilities beginning at midnight Tuesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow ignored Kyiv’s goodwill gesture.
Special service vehicles are parked near Red Square decorated for the celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany at World War II during the Victory Day military parade rehearsal in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, May 7, 2026, backdropped by the Spasskaya Tower, left, and the St. Basil's Cathedral, right. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
“Russia has not stopped any type of its military activity. Unfortunately, it has not stopped. Ukraine will act symmetrically,” Zelenskyy said in his regular video address.
The strike exchanges have had civilian consequences. Local officials reported that a drone strike in Kharkiv wounded nine people, including three children. Ukrainian officials said Russian strikes have continued against populated areas, hitting power infrastructure and rail lines.
In Moscow, authorities announced stepped-up security measures for Victory Day. State media cited the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media in reporting that all mobile internet access and text-messaging services will be shut down in the capital on May 9. Officials also said the traditional parade would omit tanks, missiles and other heavy hardware for the first time in nearly two decades — a decision the Defence Ministry tied to the "current operational situation." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that the measures were needed to ensure citizens’ safety.
Officials said the planned connectivity restrictions would leave only state-approved websites on a government "white list" accessible during the temporary blackout; home internet and Wi-Fi were reported to be unaffected.
Both sides remain armed and alert as diplomatic efforts have yet to produce a lasting pause. Observers note that Russia retains a numerical advantage in drone inventories and has in previous months launched large waves of unmanned aircraft in single operations.
Reporting from the field is constrained and casualty and equipment tallies are based on statements from the parties involved.
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