As the war between Russia and Ukraine grinds on into its third year, both sides continue to suffer heavy losses and adapt their strategies.
A recent drone strike deep into Russian territory has reignited tensions, with the attack sparking outrage in Moscow and leading to yet another round of threats from President Vladimir Putin.
The strike shows how the conflict has evolved into a war of attrition, with both sides pushing the boundaries of traditional warfare, according to Hotnews.
Vowed Retaliation
Over the weekend, a drone attack struck a luxury apartment block in the city of Kazan, located about 1,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Russian authorities blame Ukraine for the assault, describing it as a "massive drone attack" aimed at destabilizing the region.
While no casualties were reported, the strike caused significant damage to the high-rise and triggered explosions that were captured on video.
In a televised address on Sunday, Putin vowed retaliation, warning that those responsible would face severe consequences.
"Anyone attempting destruction will encounter far greater devastation themselves," he said.
The remarks came during a video conference with regional leaders in Tatarstan, where Kazan is located.
Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the attack, remaining silent on the incident. However, the strike is part of a broader pattern of Ukrainian operations targeting Russian infrastructure and military assets far beyond the front lines.
At the same time, Russia has intensified its military campaign in eastern Ukraine, announcing the capture of two villages — Lozova in the Kharkiv region and Krasnoye in Donetsk.
These gains are seen as part of Moscow’s broader effort to seize more territory before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January.
Trump has pledged to end the conflict quickly, but his specific plans remain unclear. Meanwhile, Russia continues its bombardment of Ukrainian energy facilities, framing these strikes as retaliation for Kyiv’s use of Western weapons.