In a series of unfolding events near Moscow, the town of Domodedovo, situated in proximity to a significant international airport, was struck by a fire at a car repair shop, while concurrently, reports emerged of a drone attack attempt by Ukraine. The situation, marked by a complex interplay of occurrences, has raised questions about potential connections between the fire and the drone incidents.

According to reports sourced from the RIA Novosti news agency and citing Russian officials, a blaze erupted at a car repair shop located approximately 10 kilometers away from the Domodedovo airport. As the fire’s origin remains undisclosed by Russian authorities, it has spurred speculations about its potential relation to the ongoing developments involving drone attacks.

The TASS news agency conveyed statements from the Russian Defense Ministry, accusing Ukraine of launching a drone attack attempt. Among the 13 drones reportedly involved, some were successfully intercepted and downed, while others managed to evade control measures. These drones allegedly targeted regions including Moscow, Kaluga, and the vicinity of Sevastopol, with a significant focus on the latter. Two drones were reportedly shot down, while nine were reportedly neutralized using radio-electronic countermeasures.

Amidst these claims, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced the downing of two drones around 4:00 a.m. local time. Subsequently, the Russian Defense Ministry asserted its success in thwarting an alleged attack attempt by Ukraine on targets within the Moscow region. However, the correlation between the fire incident in Domodedovo and these drone attacks remains speculative, with social media reports referencing explosions preceding the outbreak of the fire.

Details surrounding the fire’s origins and the exact circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear. Reports from various sources, including Reuters and the Russian-language BBC, cited posts on social media alluding to explosions in Domodedovo prior to the fire outbreak. The Russian channel Shot on Telegram suggested a possible link to gas tank explosions. Despite the intensity of the blaze, authorities have reported that the fire has been brought under control without resulting in casualties.

Russian officials have officially stated that the fire impacted an area spanning 1,000 square meters, centered around the car repair shop, which is situated around 10 kilometers away from Domodedovo airport—an essential transportation hub within Russia. As these developments continue to evolve, Russia has reported intercepting two Ukrainian drones near Moscow, heightening tensions in the region. One drone was allegedly eliminated near Domodedovo, while the other was neutralized close to Odintsovo, another area near the Russian capital. The intricate web of incidents unfolding near Moscow demands further investigation to uncover potential links and motivations behind these occurrences.

Article by Prague Forum