Explosions Rock Russian Nuclear Aviation Plant After Massive Drone Raid
January 20, 2025
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A Ukrainian drone attack on Monday morning is reported to have targeted a nuclear aviation plant in Kazan, the capital of Russia’s Tatarstan Republic, located east of Moscow.
Newsweek contacted the Kremlin and the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry for comment by email on Monday.
Why It Matters
The drone barrage is reported to have targeted the Kazan Aviation Plant, which has been under European Union sanctions since 2023, and manufactures Russia’s nuclear-capable Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bomber. The aircraft have been used by President Vladimir Putin’s military to attack Ukraine in the ongoing war.
Ukraine has attempted to target facilities in Russia that play a role in facilitating the country’s war efforts, which began in February 2022. These targets include ammunition depots and warehouses, as well as oil hubs and refineries.
What To Know
The ASTRA Telegram channel, a project run by independent Russian journalists, said Ukraine targeted the plant in a massive drone attack, and struck an empty tank on its territory. Newsweek could not independently verify the claim.
Local officials said Ukraine had attempted to attack an “industrial enterprise” in the republic, but that no damage was caused, and all drones were downed.
Kazan mayor Ilsur Metshin said Ukraine aimed to spread chaos and panic in the region, state-run news agency Tass reported Monday.
Footage posted to social media on Monday appeared to show a large fire in the area.
Last night the city of Kazan, Tatarstan (currently Russia), was attacked by UAVs.
Explosions are reported near the Borisoglebsk airfield and at the Gorbunov aircraft factory. At least one fuel tank was struck. pic.twitter.com/yLigMgfytL
— (((Tendar))) (@Tendar) January 20, 2025
The aviation plant is one of Russia’s largest, ASTRA said.
Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsiya, said flights were suspended at Kazan International Airport due to the drone attack.
What People Are Saying
The press service of the head of the Tatarstan Republic, Rustam Minnikhanov: “This morning, an attempt was made to attack industrial enterprises of the republic by enemy drones. A set of measures for protection was taken. As a result, all UAVs were neutralized. There were no casualties or damage. Emergency services on the scene continue to work to eliminate the consequences.”
Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin: “Our city was attacked by a UAV again. This is not the first time. As before, the target was defense plants. The air defense worked. It is obvious that the purpose of such attacks, in addition to damaging industrial enterprises, is to spread chaos and panic. Therefore, the most important thing in such a situation is to remain calm, keep a cool head, continue to work…”
What Happens Next?
Ukraine’s attacks on military sites on Russian soil will continue. Both Ukraine and Russia are pushing to make gains on the battlefield ahead of potential peace talks which could be brokered when President-elect Donald Trump enters office on Monday.
In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on after flying on a Tupolev Tu-160M strategic bomber in Kazan on February 22, 2024. A Ukrainian drone attack on… In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on after flying on a Tupolev Tu-160M strategic bomber in Kazan on February 22, 2024. A Ukrainian drone attack on January 20, 2025, is reported to have targeted a nuclear aviation plant in Kazan.
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