Moscow [Russia]: Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency has imposed temporary restrictions on flight operations at Kazan International Airport and Gagarin Airport in Saratov following alleged Ukrainian drone attacks, ABC News reported, citing RIA Novosti.
The restrictions come amid reports of drone activity targeting Kazan, located over 600 miles from the nearest Ukrainian-controlled territory, and Saratov, situated more than 350 miles away. According to TASS news agency, eight drones were recorded in Kazan, with no reported casualties.
“One was at an industrial enterprise, one was over a river, and six were at a residential area,” the press service of Tatarstan’s head stated. Fires were reported in houses across three districts of the city, Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin confirmed. He also announced selective evacuation measures in schools where necessary.
In a Telegram post, Rustam Minnikhanov, head of Tatarstan, described the incident as a “massive UAV attack,” assuring the public that all necessary resources had been deployed. “The most important thing is to not panic. We have instructed the government to inform the population about evacuation sites in a timely manner,” Minnikhanov added.
The Russian Defence Ministry reported shooting down six Ukrainian drones over Kazan, claiming they were “flying in three waves from different directions.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine faced a barrage of drone attacks overnight, with its Air Force reporting that Russia launched 113 drones, 57 of which were intercepted. The remaining 56 drones were allegedly neutralized by countermeasures. Ukrainian air raid sirens sounded on Saturday, warning of potential ballistic missile strikes across the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy detailed the destruction caused by Russia’s attacks. “An oncology center in Kherson was destroyed, apartment buildings in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia were hit, and ballistic missiles targeted Kyiv earlier. Shelling also struck Sumy, Kryvyi Rih, as well as the Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
He expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s international partners for their continued support. “This week alone, the terrorists have used over 550 guided aerial bombs, nearly 550 strike drones, and more than 20 missiles of various types. I am grateful to our partners who continue to stand with Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia. Together, through our collective strength, we will secure a lasting peace,” Zelenskyy added.
Saturday’s incidents follow a missile and drone strike on Kyiv the previous day, which caused significant damage in the city center, killing at least one person and damaging several foreign embassies, according to the Kyiv City Military Administration.