On the night of April 10, several Russian cities, including Kazan, Saransk, Gukovo, and Volgograd, experienced explosions and activated air defense systems.
First Air Raid Alert in Kazan
According to Petro Andriushchenko, head of the Occupation Research Center, this marks the first time since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine that Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, has sounded an air raid alert. The distance from the Ukrainian border to Kazan is approximately 1,200 to 1,500 kilometers.
The initial siren was heard at 10:00 PM on April 9, with residents describing it as “very loud.” A second alert for “rocket danger” was issued at 2:00 AM on April 10. Locals reported hearing air defense systems in operation, but no further details were provided.
Explosions in Saransk, Gukovo, and Volgograd
In Saransk, located in Mordovia, a fire broke out following the air raid alert, likely as a result of a missile strike. Gukovo, in Rostov Oblast, also reported a powerful explosion, which was followed by a fire, though the cause remains unclear.
Photo: Aftermath of explosions in Gukovo (t.me/exilenova_plus)
Residents of Volgograd reported hearing the sound of low-flying drones and at least five to seven explosions in the southern part of the city. Drones were observed flying along the Volga River. In the nearby city of Volzhsky, residents also heard engine noises and saw flashes, with car alarms triggered by the explosions.
Volgograd Airport was closed to incoming and outgoing flights starting at 11:47 PM on April 9 due to the threat of drone attacks.
This incident is part of a series of successful operations by defense forces targeting Russian infrastructure. On April 8, Ukrainian military forces attacked oil depots and positions of Bastion missile systems.
On the same day, drones from the Security Service of Ukraine struck an oil terminal in occupied Feodosia, destroying ammunition depots and enemy air defense systems.
Additionally, on the night of April 9, drones targeted repair and maintenance bases for occupying forces near Alchevsk in Luhansk Oblast, resulting in a significant fire.
Ukrainian naval infantry also conducted a unique operation, marking the first historical use of British logistic drones Malloy T-150 to destroy a bridge.
Recent explosions in several Russian cities coincided with air raid alerts, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. This series of incidents follows successful Ukrainian military operations targeting Russian infrastructure.