A fire broke out in Kazan, the capital of Russia's Tatarstan republic, following an alleged Ukrainian drone attack early on Jan. 20, according reports.
Videos shared online depict a large blaze, with multiple explosions reported around 5:30 a.m. local time. Kazan, located over 900 kilometers east of Ukraine, has previously been targeted by Ukrainian drones.
The Kazan Gorbunov Aircraft Plant, which manufactures and repairs Tu-22M and Tu-160M bombers, was reportedly struck alongside the Borisoglebskoye airfield. The plant has been under European Union sanctions since 2023. Drones also appear to have targeted the Borisoglebskoye airfield, which houses fuel storage facilities.
Tatarstan’s press service stated that all drones were intercepted, claiming no damage occurred as a result of the attack. However, independent verification of these claims remains unavailable.
The Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsiya, announced the suspension of flights at Kazan International Airport, as well as at Begishevo Airport in Nizhnekamsk and Izhevsk Airport northeast of Kazan.
Ukraine has frequently employed drone strikes to disrupt Russia’s military operations. In recent days, Ukrainian forces targeted oil depots in Tula and Kaluga oblasts, with similar incidents reported in Engels and Saratov. The Engels attack caused damage to industrial facilities and prompted local schools to move to online learning.