Russia experienced its largest Ukrainian drone attack since the conflict began, with military claiming 524 drones shot down. The barrage paralyzed air traffic across the country, stranding over 60,000 passengers as major airports closed. Mobile communications, internet, and banking services faced disruptions in Moscow and other regions.
The India-Pakistan conflict escalated dramatically with Indian "Operation Sindur" airstrikes killing 26-70 people in Pakistan. Pakistan's military received "freedom of action" for counterstrikes as Russia urged restraint.
Despite the security threats, Putin's diplomatic agenda advanced with the signing of a strategic partnership with Venezuela's Maduro and meetings with Cuba's and Mongolia's presidents. Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow while Azerbaijan's President Aliyev canceled his Victory Day attendance.
By evening, Putin's three-day Victory Day ceasefire officially began, though Ukrainian drones continued targeting Moscow with at least 12 intercepted throughout the day.