Ukrainian drones breach Kazan: Questions over Russian defences
- Vladimir Putin was informed about the drone attack on Kazan and remains in constant contact with the military, according to his spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov. Ukrainian drones struck several buildings, leading to the publication of numerous recordings by frightened Russians during the moment of the attack. They did not hear the military attempting to shoot down the incoming drones.
"The airport in Kazan, located in Russia, suspended all arrivals and departures following the Ukrainian drone attack on the city," reported Rosaviatsiya, the Russian aviation regulatory authority, as cited by Reuters on Saturday. Temporary restrictions also affected the airport in Izhevsk.
The announcement was made just after the internet was flooded with recordings documenting the Ukrainian drone attack on the city. There was no indication of active air defence systems. Facing no obstacles, drones flew over the city and hit designated targets.
Putin "informed about the attack"
According to Russian state news agencies, about 800 kilometres east of Moscow, a drone attack targeted a residential complex in Kazan. The TASS agency reported that there were eight drone strikes, six of which affected residential buildings, as reported by Reuters.
Videos on Telegram showed an aerial object hitting a high-rise building, causing a fire.
"Russia is already running out of air defence and anti-missile systems to protect facilities and cities. A significant portion has been lost. Key systems are concentrated in Moscow, near Putin's residence, and also in St. Petersburg. Other regions are insignificant to Putin - he despises them," wrote Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation at the Ukrainian National Security and Defence Council, a few hours after the attack.
On Friday, after 10 AM Eastern Time, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated in an interview with the TASS agency that Vladimir Putin was informed of the drone attack on the city.
- Putin is in contact with the military, Peskov said.
Authorities report that no one was killed in the drone attack on Kazan.
