Moscow: Drones have been the preferred mode of attack in recent weeks in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Ukraine launched one such assault on the Russian city of Kazan, reminding many of the 9/11 attacks on New York’s World Trade Center complex in September 2001.
Videos of Ukrainian drone attack, showing strikes on several residential highrise buildings, went viral on social media and Telegram channels on Saturday. As drones hit the buildings, fire broke out and dense smoke was seen.
Confirming the attack, Russian state media said eight drones were involved, with six striking residential buildings in Kazan, located around 800 kilometres east of Moscow.
⚡️ Drones attack Kazan high-rise building, residents evacuated pic.twitter.com/p6ZBHoRjqj
— RT (@RT_com) December 21, 2024
Emergency services responded promptly, and evacuated residents.
Though the drone attack didn’t cause any serious injury or fatality, Russia’s aviation authority Rosaviatsia announced on Telegram that Kazan airport had temporarily halted all flight arrivals and departures.
The Baza Telegram channel, known for its ties to Russian security organizations, has shared unverified video footage showing an aerial device striking a high-rise building, causing a large explosion.
Temporary restrictions were also imposed at Izhevsk airport, situated in a smaller city northeast of Kazan.
Ukraine’s attack came a day after Russia targeted Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine with a barrage of 60 drones and five ballistic missiles.
A number of residential areas in Kyiv were hit, with one fatality and multiple injuries being reported.
