In a dramatic escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, suspected Ukrainian drones struck high-rise residential buildings in Kazan on Saturday morning. In an attack that resembles something from the 9/11 attacks in the United States, multiple buildings were set ablaze, prompting residents to flee and initiate mass evacuations.
The strike took place in Kazan, a major city located approximately 500 miles east of Moscow. It is reported that explosive-packed drones crashed into at least three high-rise buildings that resulted in a huge fireball. No casualties are reported yet, but widespread panic ensued from the attack.
Russia witness 9/11 style attack!
Drones/UAV’s attack high-rise buildings in Kazan, residents evacuated, Alert Sounded pic.twitter.com/PMHthxQBxh
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) December 21, 2024
According to Russia state media, including TASS, eight drone strikes had been documented, with six that targeted residential buildings. Authorities on the ground said local emergency services responded rapidly and fire brigades were working to bring out the flames. Thick black smoke billowed from buildings captured in Telegram videos following the dramatic aftermath.
UAVs have hit at least three high-rise buildings in Kazan, Russia
Photos and videos from the scene are being shared on local Telegram channels. pic.twitter.com/MN19u47uom
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) December 21, 2024
⚡️ Drones attack Kazan high-rise building, residents evacuated pic.twitter.com/p6ZBHoRjqj
— RT (@RT_com) December 21, 2024
My hands are shaking.. I saw it with my own eyes. The building next to our apartment block was hit by drones.
While I was writing this, another explosion in different place in Kazan.
Horrible! pic.twitter.com/iDmGcKte4p— Natalia (@NataliaPRussia) December 21, 2024
After the drone attack, Kazan’s airport suspended all flights until further notice, and Rosaviatsia, Russia’s aviation authority, issued restrictions on air traffic. Restrictions were also imposed on the city of Izhevsk, which is close to Kazan, for precautionary measures.
Russia’s Defense Ministry has said that at least one drone was intercepted by air defenses before it could hit its target. However, the attack’s nature raises concerns over the growing threat of UAV warfare on civilian infrastructure. Experts consider this a major escalation in using drones for offensive operations.
While Ukrainian forces have not taken formal responsibility, reports circulating on Telegram indicate that the drones were launched from Ukrainian soil. Earlier on Friday, a Ukrainian missile attack hit Rylsk in Russia’s Kursk region, killing six people and injuring ten others, with one of the victims a child. Acting Governor Alexander Khinshtein said the casualties were confirmed as the cross-border attacks grow in intensity.
