Title: “Ukraine’s Increasing Drone Capabilities Showcased in Latest Kazan Attack”
In a recent demonstration of their escalating drone technology, Ukraine targeted tall buildings in Kazan, the capital of the resource-rich Tatarstan republic in Russia. The attack, which occurred on December 21, was carried out in three stages between 7:40 and 9:20 in the morning, as reported by the Russian Defense Ministry.
According to the ministry, the drones used in the attack were originated from Ukraine. Western analysts have suggested that they appeared to be the “Lyitiy model” from Ukraine, a lightweight drone resembling an aircraft. Ukrainian officials have yet to make a statement regarding the attack.
Rustam Minnikhanov, the leader of Tatarstan, revealed through his press service that the city was attacked by eight drones. These drones targeted six high-end residential buildings, an industrial facility, and one was intercepted over a river, as per the statement.
The mayor’s office of Kazan, sharing an update on its Telegram channel, stated that the drones targeted three city districts. Footage shared on social media showed two drones hitting the upper levels of a 37-story luxury skyscraper, approximately 30 minutes apart, in roughly the same location.
In the wake of the attack, students were evacuated from schools in Kazan’s Soviet district, as sirens blared throughout the city, according to RFE/RL’s Tatar-Bashkir Service. Thankfully, there were no reported casualties.
Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin revealed that evacuations were conducted from the impacted buildings. Those displaced were provided with accommodation and food. In light of these events, all grand events in the city were postponed for the weekend. Notably, Kazan is one of Russia’s wealthiest cities, located about 800 kilometers east of Moscow.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that one of the Ukrainian drones was destroyed over Tatarstan by their air defense forces. Due to safety concerns, Kazan Airport temporarily halted all flight operations on the morning of the attack.
Ukrainian drone attacks have previously targeted military and industrial areas in Tatarstan. In May, two significant airports in Kazan and Nizhnekamsk were temporarily closed following a drone attack. In April, Ukrainian drones targeted an oil refinery in Tatarstan and a dormitory in Yelabuga’s special economic zone.
Ukraine has been heavily investing in drone technology to compensate for its manpower shortage on the battlefield. Over the past year, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry announced it has supplied 1.2 million drones to its armed forces, including over 6,000 deep strike drones, bringing its drone production nearly on par with Russia.
The Ukrainian government has used its long-range drone technology to target crucial Russian military assets, such as weapons and energy facilities, while trying to avoid civilian areas. In 2023, Ukrainian drones targeted high-rise buildings in Moscow’s business district that housed Russian government ministries.
Speculation remains whether the Kazan skyscraper hit twice was linked to Russia’s war efforts. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy declared that Ukraine would persist in targeting Russian military facilities with drones and missiles.
Despite Ukraine’s strategic strikes, Russia continues its regular assaults on Ukraine, including civilian targets. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia conducted 113 drone attacks against Ukraine overnight on December 21, with 57 drones intercepted and 56 failing to reach their targets.
