Voronezh complains about drone attacks during fireworks
Fires occurred in Voronezh and the surrounding region due to a drone attack (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
In the Russian city of Voronezh, explosions were reported during the night of August 14 due to a drone attack and the operation of air defense systems. The air defense efforts occurred amid fireworks displays and musical accompaniment, according to local sources and the governor of Voronezh region, Alexander Gusev.
The local authorities in Voronezh had earlier warned of the threat of drone attacks in the region. Subsequently, reports emerged online about air defense operations in the city.
Governor Alexander Gusev claimed that the air defense forces and electronic warfare systems had allegedly neutralized several Ukrainian drone aircraft. He added that the drone attack threat level in the region remains active.
The governor also reported that there were no initial reports of casualties or damage.
However, after midnight, Voronezh Telegram channels began sharing footage capturing the sounds of explosions, purportedly from air defense systems responding to the drone attack, across various parts of the city and region.
At the same time, attention was drawn to fireworks displays in the Prydonskoi district of Voronezh during the supposed night-time air defense efforts. Additionally, a video surfaced online showing a party in the Arena parking lot, featuring dancing to the music of Ukrainian artist Verka Serduchka.
This led to a wave of criticism on Voronezh's social media platforms.
Later, the Telegram channel Typychnyi Voronezh reported a fire in the Khokholsky district of the Voronezh region, allegedly caused by a drone crashing into an object.
Fires occurred in Voronezh (photo: Telegram channel Typychnyi Voronezh)
Russian media also report a series of fires in the Voronezh region and the sounds of explosions. There have also been reports of strikes in Novaya Usman.
Fires occurred in the Voronezh region (photo: Telegram channel Typychnyi Voronezh)
Online speculations suggest that one of the targets of the drone attack might be the Voronezh Malshevo military air base in the Voronezh region.
On August 11, Voronezh also reported explosions due to a drone attack. Local authorities mentioned damage to an administrative building and a municipal facility.
In June, Russia reported that a drone crashed into a residential building in Voronezh, causing casualties. Russian Telegram channels suggested that the drone was heading towards an aviation plant, and according to one version, it was intercepted by electronic warfare systems, causing the drone to veer off course and crash.
