MOSCOW, (TDI): Ukrainian drones struck a high-rise residential building in the Russian city of Kazan on Saturday, an attack 1,000 kilometers from the border that drew comparisons to the 9/11 attacks in the United States when hijacked planes hit New York’s Twin Towers in 2001.
The major drone strike, part of escalating aerial assaults in the nearly three-year conflict, targeted Kazan, located about 800 kilometers (500 miles) east of Moscow.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the city faced three waves of drone attacks between 7:40 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. (04:40 and 06:20 GMT).
Unverified videos shared on social media showed drones colliding with two skyscrapers, triggering massive explosions and plumes of black smoke.
According to Tatarstan’s regional government, eight drones were involved in the attack. Six struck residential buildings, one hit an industrial site, and another was shot down over a river.
No Casualties Reported, Flight Operations Disrupted
Local authorities reported no casualties. However, Kazan airport temporarily suspended flights, and Russia’s aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, imposed temporary flight restrictions at airports in Izhevsk and Saratov. The restrictions in Saratov were lifted later in the day.
Rustam Minnikhanov, the head of Tatarstan, described the attack as unprecedented in its targeting of civilians. “Previously, industrial enterprises were attacked.
Now, the enemy targets civilians in the morning,” he said on Telegram. Some residents were evacuated, though specific numbers were not provided, and public events in the area were canceled as a precaution.
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Ukraine, which has conducted regular strikes on Russian territory since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, did not immediately comment on the attack.
Drone Defense Measures
Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that six drones were neutralized or destroyed during the attack. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused Kyiv of taking out its “anger for tangible military defeats on the peaceful population of Russia.”
Comparisons to 9/11
The attack drew parallels to the 9/11 attacks, where nearly 3,000 people were killed when hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field. Saturday’s strikes underscored the escalating tension between Russia and Ukraine, with no signs of a negotiated resolution.
Widening Conflict
The attack came a day after Ukrainian forces targeted Rylsk in Russia’s Kursk region with U.S.-supplied missiles, killing six people, including a child.
Meanwhile, Russia launched an S-400 missile at central Ukraine, which caused no damage, according to Ukraine’s air force.
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Russia continues its push to control Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, claiming to have captured the village of Kostiantynopolske, southwest of Kurakhove. Ukrainian sources confirmed heavy fighting in the area.
Diplomatic Impasse
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently proposed a “high-tech duel” with Ukraine, showcasing Russia’s hypersonic ballistic missile capabilities.
However, Russia has repeatedly stated it will not negotiate with Ukraine unless Kyiv renounces its NATO ambitions and withdraws from Russian-occupied territories.
The Kremlin controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, advancing at its fastest pace since the early days of the war. Despite international calls for peace, the conflict shows no signs of abating.
