[67769] Massive wave of drone attacks in Russia: disruptions at airports across the country

Widespread wave of drone attacks in Russia: significant flight disruptions

Throughout May 20, 2026, Russia experienced a wave of alerts regarding drone (UAV) attacks in various locations across the country. According to a report by Анатолий Шарий - a channel presenting a critical stance toward the Moscow government - a fire broke out at an oil refinery in the city of Kstovo as a result of an attack, leading to the transfer of students to remote learning in educational institutions in the area, as reported by ЕЖ.

The alerts led to significant disruptions in civil aviation. The СОЛОВЬЁВ channel, identified with the pro-Kremlin narrative, confirmed that Rosaviatsia imposed temporary restrictions at airports in the cities of Penza, Samara, Kazan, Nizhnekamsk, Cheboksary, Ulyanovsk, and Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg. At the same time, Фонтанка SPB Online reported the interception of a drone in Leningrad and restrictions on airspace due to security concerns.

In other regions, including the Belgorod, Zaporizhzhia, Crimea, and Krasnodar districts, drone and missile danger alerts were documented. Lpr 1 reported continuously throughout the day on alerts in various cities in southern Russia and in conflict areas. The Governor of the Orenburg region also updated on the risk of a drone attack in his territory, as noted in Украина.ру.

Despite the security tension, aviation authorities updated later in the day on the lifting of restrictions at some of the airports, including Pulkovo, Samara, and Cheboksary. However, the incidents reflect the unrest prevailing in Russian airspace due to incessant attempted attacks using drones.