22-12-2024 (KAZAN) Ukrainian forces launched a significant drone strike on the Russian city of Kazan on Saturday, reaching nearly 1,000 kilometres beyond the war’s frontline and damaging a residential high-rise in the heart of Tatarstan’s capital.
The brazen attack targeted a 37-storey apartment complex, triggering a dramatic fireball that was captured on social media footage. Whilst the strike caused substantial structural damage, no casualties were reported, according to Russian officials.
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
Tatarstan’s governor, Rustam Minnikhanov, confirmed the assault via Telegram, stating that Kazan had endured a “massive drone attack” in the morning hours. The incident prompted authorities to temporarily shutter Kazan International Airport and evacuate residents from affected areas, though specific numbers were not disclosed.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed that whilst the drones were allegedly aimed at an industrial facility, they missed their intended target. She reported that Russian air defence systems successfully neutralised or intercepted six additional drones during the attack.
BREAKING:
7 Ukrainian suicide drones have struck targets in Russia’s 5th largest city Kazan.
It’s located 700 km east of Moscow pic.twitter.com/lClxvK8iAA
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) December 21, 2024
The strike represents a significant expansion of Ukraine’s operational reach, marking one of the deepest penetrations into Russian territory since the conflict began. It follows Washington’s recent green light for Kyiv to employ American-supplied missiles against military installations within Russian border regions.
Speaking on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whilst not directly addressing the Kazan incident, affirmed his nation’s commitment to targeting Russian military assets, stating: “We will definitely continue to strike at Russian military targets with drones and missiles.”
The attack comes amid heightened tensions, following deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv that claimed one life and injured 13 others the previous day. It also follows a lethal Ukrainian assault on Russia’s Kursk region, where five individuals perished.
Meanwhile, Moscow claims to have captured additional territory near the strategic city of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have recently demonstrated significant battlefield momentum.
