Ukrainian drone commander: Moscow “never sleeps” anymore

“Moscow never sleeps from now on. Version 17.05: the one-sided subscription to peaceful life around Patriarch’s Ponds and nearby areas has been canceled,” Madyar wrote, referring to one of Moscow’s most prestigious neighborhoods.

He accompanied the post with a photo showing drones bearing the inscription “Moscow never sleeps.”

Madyar also appeared to address Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko, suggesting he reconsider Belarus’ role in supporting Russia’s war effort.

“Yustas to Alex Grigoryevich: it is important how you enter the right conversation, but even more important is the art of leaving it. Lukashesku, look closely at your prospects,” Madyar wrote.

On May 16, Madyar accused Lukashenko of allowing Russia to use Belarusian territory to launch Shahed drones against Ukraine.

According to the Ukrainian commander, Russian drones have been entering Ukrainian airspace through designated “corridors” in Belarus.

Overnight on May 17, explosions and drone activity were reported in several cities across Russia’s Moscow region, including Khimki, Durikino, Lobnya, Zelenograd and Naro-Fominsk.

Witnesses also reported smoke and fires in some areas.

Russian Telegram channels claimed that a fire broke out at the Elma technopark, which reportedly manufactures electronics for military purposes.

Reports also suggested that targets included the Solnechnogorskaya petroleum loading station in the village of Durikino and the Raduga Machine-Building Design Bureau plant in Dubna, part of Russia’s Tactical Missiles Corporation.

A fire was additionally reported at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that air defenses intercepted and destroyed 556 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple Russian regions. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin separately stated that more than 120 drones were allegedly downed over the Moscow region.