PUTIN’S PRESIDENTIAL FLEET DISRUPTED BY UKRAINIAN DRONES OVER MOSCOW
Aircraft belonging to Vladimir Putin’s presidential fleet were unable to land normally in Moscow while Ukrainian drones forced the closure of all four airports serving the Russian capital.
Three specially equipped Il-96-300PU aircraft were returning from Turkmenistan after Putin completed his October 9 visit. These aircraft—often described as “flying Kremlins”—carry advanced communications equipment allowing Russia’s leadership to remain connected with the military while airborne.
It remains unclear which aircraft Putin was aboard.
Two of the planes eventually landed at Vnukovo after additional maneuvering. A third aircraft, registration RA-96025, could not reach Moscow and was diverted to Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg.
A conventional passenger Il-96-300 used by senior Russian officials was also returning from Turkmenistan and encountered the disruption.
Earlier in the day, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky airports were all closed as Ukrainian drones approached Moscow. Flights were delayed, forced to circle or diverted to alternative airports before restrictions were lifted at approximately 6:45 p.m.
We cannot confirm that Putin personally was stranded in the air, but his presidential fleet unquestionably was.
There is something deeply symbolic about the Kremlin’s carefully protected aircraft being unable to enter the capital of the country that launched this war. Moscow is supposed to be one of the most heavily defended places in Russia, yet Ukrainian drones were determining when Putin’s aircraft could come home.
For the man who ordered missiles and drones into Ukrainian skies, even the flight back to Moscow may no longer feel entirely safe.