Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Strikes on Russia’s Krasnodar, Rostov

One of Ukraine’s most extensive long-range drone operations in recent months struck deep inside Russian territory, targeting military and industrial sites in Krasnodar territory and Rostov city.

In Taganrog, Rostov, drones ignited a fire near the runway of the Beriev Aircraft Company - a major manufacturer of Russian military aircraft, including amphibious models and the A-50 early warning plane, The Caspian Post reports via Ukrainian media.

The plant sits beside the Taganrog-Yuzhny military airfield and has been targeted multiple times in previous Ukrainian attacks.

Rostov Governor Yury Slyusar confirmed an attack on the city but avoided commenting on damage to the aircraft manufacturer. He stated that residential buildings, a warehouse, and a gas pipeline were hit, adding that three people were killed and eight injured.

Further south, Novorossiysk in Krasnodar Krai faced what local governor Veniamin Kondratyev described as “one of the longest and most massive” drone assaults since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Six people were reportedly injured, and at least 20 homes suffered damage.

One drone crashed into a high-rise building just 700 meters from a military unit housing S-400 air defense systems - the same unit hit in a Ukrainian drone strike on November 14. Residents also posted videos appearing to show a malfunctioning Russian air defense missile striking another apartment block.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it shot down 116 drones over the Black Sea and 76 over Krasnodar territory during the night, though these numbers could not be independently verified.

As Ukraine ramps up its long-range drone capabilities, strikes on military, industrial, and logistics hubs inside Russia have become a key part of Kyiv’s strategy to weaken Moscow’s ability to wage war.