Drone Attack Hits Russia’s Southern Hub Rostov-on-Don

The southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don has been rocked by a large-scale drone attack, as air defense systems reportedly intercepted dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Residents said explosions began around 2:20 a.m. (GMT+3), mainly in the western districts of the city, after air raid alerts were issued across the Rostov region. Many locals reported hearing the characteristic buzzing of drones shortly before the blasts, The Caspian Post reports via Ukrainian media.

🇷🇺🇺🇦Rostov-on-Don came under a nighttime drone attack on December 15. Russian air defense reported the destruction of dozens of drones, according to local Telegram channels.

Residents on social media said that explosions in Rostov-on-Don began around 2:20 a.m. in the western… pic.twitter.com/fUZow1nQs7

— News.Az (@news_az) December 15, 2025

Eyewitnesses said debris from at least one intercepted drone fell into a residential area, sparking a fire. Videos circulating on social media appear to show burning fragments descending near apartment buildings, while residents said the explosions were powerful enough to shake windows and trigger car alarms.

No casualties have been reported so far, and Russian authorities have yet to officially confirm the full scale of the attack or the extent of the damage.

Rostov-on-Don is considered strategically vital, serving as a key logistical and military-administrative hub in southern Russia. The city plays an important role in rail and road networks used to transport troops, equipment, fuel, and ammunition. Analysts suggest that drone attacks on such locations are typically intended to disrupt supply chains and military coordination, while exposing vulnerabilities in rear-area security rather than causing direct civilian harm.