Ukraine launches drone strikes on Moscow in bold counteroffensive

(AFP): A barrage of Ukrainian drones forced Russian airports, including in Moscow, to restrict flights on Tuesday — three days before the Kremlin will hold its grand military parade on Red Square to mark the defeat of the Nazis.

Speculation has swirled over the safety of the parade — which Moscow is holding more than three years into its Ukraine offensive and as the United States pushes, so far to no avail, for both sides to end the fighting.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a three-day truce to coincide with events marking 80 years since the end of World War II, which Kyiv has denounced as a "manipulation" and said is "just for the parade".

Around 20 leaders are expected to attend the Red Square parade — including China's Xi Jinping, due to arrive Wednesday.

But on the eve of Xi's arrival, Moscow said Ukraine launched more than 100 drones overnight, including on the Russian capital.