Russia says it downed Ukraine's drones heading for Moscow

Russia says its air defense systems shot down at least three Ukraine-launched drones that were heading toward Moscow.

The Russian defense ministry said on Tuesday that the air defense systems destroyed two drones over the Kaluga and Tver regions, which border the Moscow region.

Another drone was also destroyed over the Istra district of the Moscow region, it said.

According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the drones "were trying to carry out an attack on Moscow."

He also said that a consumer services facility was damaged in the Istra district.

There was no damage or casualties elsewhere, the mayor said.

The attack prompted the authorities to cancel or postpone almost 50 flights early Tuesday from the four major airports around Moscow.

Russian air defenses also destroyed a Ukrainian aeroplane-style drone over Crimea on Tuesday morning, according to the defense ministry.

Crimea has repeatedly been targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks since Moscow launched its military operation against Kiev in February last year.

SS