Kazan, Russia – Explosive-laden drones struck residential high-rises in the Russian city of Kazan on Saturday, sparking fires and forcing evacuations, local authorities confirmed.
Three kamikaze drones targeted the capital of Tatarstan, damaging multiple buildings. While no casualties have been reported, eyewitness videos shared online show plumes of smoke rising from the impact sites. Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene, assisting residents and containing the fires.
The attack also disrupted air travel, with Kazan International Airport temporarily suspending all flights. Russia’s aviation watchdog, Rosaviatsia, announced the halt as a precautionary measure.
Earlier in the day, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle over Tatarstan, labeling it part of Ukraine’s ongoing drone offensive. However, the successful strikes in Kazan mark a rare instance of drones reaching deep into Russian territory.
This incident highlights the escalating use of drones in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While Russia has intercepted numerous UAVs in regions like Moscow, a few have managed to breach defenses, amplifying concerns about civilian safety.
The strikes come as Russian President Vladimir Putin recently expressed openness to negotiations to end the war, claiming no preconditions for talks. However, Ukraine and its Western allies remain skeptical, citing unresolved demands regarding NATO and territorial disputes.
As investigations into the Kazan attack continue, the event underscores the growing risks for civilians amid the prolonged conflict.
