A wave of drone sightings has raised concerns around Moscow, with the Opalikha microregion in Krasnogorsk cited among the latest locations. The information originated from the Telegram channel Puree and has circulated across other feeds in the Russian online scene. [Citation: official monitoring notes]
According to the report, a unmanned aerial system was seen at an altitude near 25 meters by the pilot of a Robinson-44 helicopter during a preplanned flight starting from the Moscow region. The pilot promptly informed the flight service at Sheremetyevo airport, yet the drone remains unfound. [Citation: flight service records]
Earlier chatter from the Telegram channel Shot claimed the drone hovered near Sanatorium facilities in the Smolensk region, describing the craft as a dual-camera drone. This claim, like others in the thread, has not been independently verified, and authorities have urged caution when evaluating social media posts about aerial incursions. [Citation: authorities]
Another update from Mash at the start of May referenced reports by a knowledgeable source about an unidentified drone that allegedly interfered with the approach of an Airbus A320 on a flight from Samara to Moscow, during the aircraft’s final approach to Sheremetyevo. [Citation: aviation safety briefings]
Subsequent remarks also touched on purported misinformation regarding the same approach, as described by Aeroflot in relation to the drone and the aircraft near Sheremetyevo. The airline’s communication stressed the need to verify claims before drawing conclusions about safety incidents in real time. [Citation: Aeroflot statement]
Toward the end of April, Shot cited a separate source noting that during the landing of a Sochi-to-St. Petersburg flight at Pulkovo, an unidentified individual allegedly attempted to impair pilot visibility using a green laser. Laser incidents have been a recurring concern for aviation safety, prompting investigations and heightened reporting by authorities and mobility services. [Citation: safety investigations]
Across these posts, the common thread is uncertainty. While some reports point to operational risks associated with drones near busy flight paths, others highlight the challenge of corroborating social media information quickly. Aviation authorities in Russia routinely monitor airspace for intrusions and work with operators to pinpoint objects that may threaten safety. When a drone is spotted, immediate coordination with flight control, airport services, and law enforcement follows to determine risk levels and response steps. [Citation: airspace monitoring protocol]
For travelers and residents, the evolving narrative underscores the importance of accurate, verifiable updates from official channels. Flight crews are trained to maintain situational awareness, and airports maintain procedures to handle unexpected aerial activity without compromising safety or security. The public is advised to rely on official advisories and avoid speculation that could cause confusion or unnecessary alarm. Marked citations from reporting channels provide context but do not replace verified statements from authorities. [Citation: travel safety guidance]
In sum, while reports of unidentified drones near major airfields persist, verification remains essential. The urban landscape around Moscow continues to balance rapid aerial development with robust safety protocols, and authorities reiterate their commitment to clear, accountable communication when events unfold near busy flight paths. [Citation: regional safety updates]