Support The Moscow Times!

In First, Ukraine Fires Drones at Airfield in South Russia's North Ossetia Region

Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) anti-drone drills in Russia’s republic of Kazakhstan in 2021. Yegor Aleyev / TASS

Ukraine targeted the south Russian region of North Ossetia with drones for the first time ever on Saturday, causing minor damage, local authorities said.

The drones were aimed at a military airfield near the town of Mozdok, more than 700 kilometers (430 miles) from the frontline, according to North Ossetia governor Sergei Menyailo.

"The attack was foiled by the Russian Defense Ministry's air defense forces. Minor damage and fires were recorded. No one was injured," he said.

Three drones were shot down in the attack, he added.

Social media videos purportedly filmed in the region showed drones flying overhead, while pictures showed what appeared to be drone fragments scattered on the ground.

"All services have been put on high alert. For the safety of citizens, we have decided to cancel all mass events in Mozdoksky district," Menyailo added.

Ukraine often targets military and energy facilities on Russian territory in drone attacks, sometimes hundreds of kilometers from the frontline.

Ukraine did not immediately comment, however the Ukrainska Pravda newspaper quoted Kyiv's military intelligence as saying they were behind the attack.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more