A fire broke out in Kazan, the capital of Russia's Tatarstan republic, early on January 20 during a reported Ukrainian drone attack, according to Russian Telegram channels.
Videos circulating on social media show a large fire engulfing parts of the city, with multiple explosions reported around 5:30 a.m. local time.
This was reported by The Kyiv Independent.
Targeted Locations
The explosions and subsequent fire are believed to have originated in Kazan's Aviastroitelny district, reportedly targeting the Kazan Aviation Plant.
This plant, sanctioned by the European Union in 2023, produces strategic aircraft such as the Tu-160 and Tu-22 long-range bombers, along with various civilian aircraft.
Russian Telegram media also suggested that the drones targeted the Borisoglebskoye airfield nearby, which houses several fuel storage facilities.
Tatarstan's press service claimed that no damage was caused by the attack, asserting that all drones were successfully intercepted. However, these claims remain unverified.
Impact on Civil Aviation
In response to the attack, Rosaviatsiya, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, announced the suspension of flights at Kazan International Airport. Flights at Begishevo Airport in Nizhnekamsk and Izhevsk Airport, northeast of Kazan, were also temporarily halted.
Kazan, located more than 900 kilometers (560 miles) east of the Ukrainian border, has previously been targeted by Ukrainian drone strikes.
Ukraine has frequently employed drones to disrupt Russia’s military supply chain, with oil refineries and fuel depots being regular targets due to their contribution to the Russian war effort.
On January 18, Ukrainian forces reportedly attacked oil depots in Russia’s Tula and Kaluga oblasts, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a source in Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR).
