Kazan officials reported on the "repulsion" of a drone attack on businesses, but there's a catch.

In Kazan (Republic of Tatarstan, Russia) on the night of January 20, air defense systems were activated during a drone attack. Local industrial enterprises were reportedly among the targets of the air strike.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the Kazan city administration and the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.

Explosions in Kazan Due to Drone Attack

It is noteworthy that there were complaints about the drone attack in Kazan for nearly the entire night. Russian Telegram channels and local social media reported on the operation of air defense systems in the city.

Additionally, Russian media reported that a series of explosions were heard in Kazan during the night and early morning. Footage of "bangs" in the city and fires near the aviation college and aircraft factories were also shared online.

Later, the Russian publication Astra and monitoring groups clarified that the Gorbunov Aircraft Plant in Kazan was struck by drones. This enterprise, considered one of the largest in the aviation industry in Russia, has been under EU sanctions since late 2023.

The plant specializes in the production of strategic bombers such as the Tu-160 and also repairs Tu-22M3M/Tu-22M3 bombers used by Russian occupiers to strike Ukraine.

Furthermore, against the backdrop of the explosions in Kazan, Rosaviation announced the temporary closure of the local airport, which was not receiving or dispatching flights. A similar situation was reported at the airport in Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan.

Statements from Kazan Authorities

In the morning, a message appeared on the local city administration's Telegram channel claiming that all drones in Kazan had allegedly been shot down.

"This morning, there was an attempted attack by enemy drones on the republic's industrial enterprises. A comprehensive set of protective measures was implemented. As a result, all UAVs have been neutralized," the city authorities stated.

The Russian side also assured that "there are no casualties or destruction." However, they added that emergency services on-site "continue to work to eliminate the consequences."

Conflicting Reports on Drone "Shootdowns" in Kazan

Despite the claims from the Kazan city administration about the "neutralization of all UAVs," the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation assured in the morning that only one drone had been eliminated in the region.

Overall, the defense ministry of the aggressor country reported the "interception and destruction" of 31 drones across 7 regions, specifically:

14 drones were allegedly shot down in Bryansk region,
6 in Kaluga region,
3 in Belgorod region,
3 in Kursk region,
2 in Oryol region,
1 in the Republic of Tatarstan.

Earlier, it was reported that in addition to Kazan, there were also complaints about drone strikes in Ryazan on the night of January 20.