Ukraine executed a major drone attack on the Russian city of Kazan, located 1,000 km (620 miles) from the frontline, on Saturday. The assault damaged residential buildings and temporarily shut down Kazan’s international airport, one of Russia’s busiest.
Local officials reported that a drone struck a high-rise apartment block, causing damage to the building but resulting in no casualties. Videos circulating on Russian social media show drones hitting the 37-story building, igniting fiery explosions.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the attack involved two drones targeting the apartment block and an unspecified industrial facility, which remained undamaged.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented indirectly on the incident, stating, “We will continue targeting Russian military objectives with drones and missiles.”
Following the attack, parts of Kazan were evacuated, and public events in the city were canceled as a precaution. Russia’s aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, temporarily closed Kazan International Airport, resuming operations later on Saturday.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed its air defense systems intercepted three drones, while another three were downed. The attack in Kazan, located 800 km east of Moscow, followed a series of escalations, including Russian strikes on Kyiv that killed one person and wounded 13, and a Ukrainian assault in Russia’s Kursk region, leaving five dead.
In a separate development, Zelenskyy revealed a rare meeting with CIA Director William Burns, marking Burns’ final visit as head of the agency. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Burns’ support throughout the war. Burns is set to depart his role following the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who will appoint a successor.
Meanwhile, Russia claimed a military victory in eastern Ukraine, capturing the village of Kostiantynopolske near the key industrial city of Kurakhove.
Russia also criticized a UK plan to transfer over £2 billion ($2.5 billion) in aid to Ukraine, funded by frozen Russian assets. The Russian Embassy in London labeled the initiative a “fraudulent scheme.” The UK confirmed the funds would support Ukraine’s military, including developing long-range drones, as part of a G7-backed loan.
