On the evening of April 1, 2025, the city of Taganrog in the Rostov region suffered a significant attack as drones, believed to be Ukrainian, targeted residential buildings. The incident unfolded around 23:00, with local authorities confirming that at least two multi-apartment buildings were damaged during the assault.
According to acting Governor Yury Slyusar, one drone crashed into a nine-story building located on Lizy Chaikinoy Street, while another drone fell onto a garage nearby. A third drone was reported to have landed in trees approximately 300 meters away from residential areas. The attack resulted in explosions that startled residents, prompting many to flee into the streets as car alarms echoed in the aftermath.
Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene to assess the situation. Images from the event displayed the response of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) and ambulances, as residents expressed fears of further strikes. Reports indicated that not only was the building struck, but nearby parked vehicles were also damaged. Windows shattered from the blast, and some residents were injured by flying glass.
During a press briefing, Slyusar confirmed that 85 residents were evacuated from the affected building due to a fire that broke out following the drone strike. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported, although two individuals sought medical attention for minor injuries, including burns and cuts.
In a concerning detail, residents noted that the drone that struck the building appeared to be armed with shrapnel. Alarmingly, the city's warning system failed to activate, leading many to complain about the absence of sirens during the attack.
The situation escalated further as it was revealed that Ukrainian drones also targeted the city of Kursk on the night of April 2, 2025. There, debris from a downed drone fell on the roof of a multi-story building, resulting in the evacuation of 60 residents. However, no injuries were reported in Kursk.
In response to the Taganrog attack, local authorities declared a state of emergency in the city. Slyusar reported that specialists were dispatched from Rostov to assist in managing the crisis. The damage assessment began promptly, with local officials working to evaluate the extent of the destruction caused by the drones.
By April 2, fragments of the three drones involved in the attack were found at multiple locations within Taganrog. City head Svetlana Kamburova announced that all parts of the drones had been neutralized and were being examined for explosives. She indicated the importance of assessing the damage caused by the attack and ensuring the safety of the residents.
As investigations continued, Kamburova stated that the supporting structures of the damaged buildings remained intact, allowing residents to return home safely. This reassurance came amid rising tensions and fears of future drone attacks in the region.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense of Russia reported that a total of 93 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed across various regions, with the majority being shot down over Kursk. The military's response aims to bolster security and protect civilian areas from such aerial threats.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the Ukrainian military has yet to comment on these drone attacks or confirm any specific targets within Russian territory. The lack of communication from Ukrainian officials has left many questions unanswered regarding the motives and strategic goals behind these drone strikes.
As the situation develops, residents of Taganrog and surrounding areas remain on high alert, wary of potential future attacks. The local government is working diligently to restore normalcy while ensuring the safety and security of its citizens amidst this ongoing threat.
