Emergency services reported a high volume of drone activity over Moscow, with around 300 incidents logged daily. Official sources, including TASS, have documented these numbers, underscoring a persistent pattern of unmanned flight over the city. The sheer frequency has prompted officials to scrutinize drone operations and to consider tighter controls where required, especially during times of heightened security concern.
According to the information circulating in the press, the average counts of daily drone flights in Moscow have hovered near three hundred. This figure reflects not only hobbyists and commercial operators but also the broader ecosystem of unmanned aviation that interacts with the cityscape, air traffic systems, and the adjacent infrastructure. The repetition of this statistic in multiple outlets suggests a need for clear guidelines and robust enforcement to minimize risks and to safeguard residents and medians from potential disturbances or hazards.
In response, a decree signed by the former Moscow mayor instituted a prohibition on drone launches within the capital from May 3 onward. The directive drew a sharp line between prohibited uses and the exceptions carved out for vehicles employed at the direction or under the authority of state bodies. This distinction allows essential sovereign functions to continue while creating a controlled environment for most civil operations and private activities. The measure aligns with similar steps taken in other major urban centers to address safety, privacy, and airspace management concerns.
Earlier reporting from RBC indicated that as of May 3, enforcement of unmanned aerial vehicle restrictions would expand to cover additional regions within the Russian Federation. The policy rollout described by RBC highlighted that the travel corridors and airspace considerations would be gradually adjusted as regional administrations adopt the corresponding rules. In many parts of the country, bans on drone use were already implemented since late 2022, reflecting a long-term approach to managing airspace risk and ensuring public order in areas with sensitive facilities and high population density.
Beginning on May 3, the scope of the ban broadened to include other areas beyond the capital, and even cities near Moscow, such as Serpukhov, enacted their own prohibitions for public officials and certain unmanned operations. These local adjustments illustrate how regional authorities tailor drone governance to local conditions, balancing security imperatives with the practical needs of government work, emergency response, and everyday life for residents. The evolving framework reveals a layered policy strategy that combines outright prohibitions with carefully defined exceptions for critical operations, scientific research, and authorized tasks conducted under official oversight.