A series of powerful explosions rocked the Russian city of Voronezh on January 10, with preliminary reports indicating that Russian air defenses were repelling an attack by Ukrainian drones.
Russian sources reported sustained air-defense activity, flashes in the sky and a column of smoke in one district. Some accounts said at least 30 explosions were heard over the city in the evening.
Witnesses said the barrage in the sky continued for more than two hours. Residents reported the distinctive buzz of drone engines followed by the sounds of air-defense systems and distant blasts within the city limits.
“The attack on Voronezh also involved ‘Chaklun-V’ drones with a 20-kilogram warhead and 6-millimeter ball-bearing shrapnel,” the SHOT channel wrote.
Videos circulating on social media appear to show a fixed-wing drone slamming at high speed into a residential high-rise. Ukrainian sources claimed the aircraft may have been affected by Russian electronic warfare systems and then lost control.
Voronezh region Governor Alexander Gusev said air-defense units in the city and several districts intercepted and destroyed multiple drones. Preliminary information indicated two people were injured by falling debris.
Officials also reported broken windows and facade damage at three residential apartment buildings and one building under construction. A fire broke out in one apartment.
Russian military blogger Yuri Kotenok said Voronezh came under a massive drone strike, calling it one of the most powerful raids since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. He said helicopters may have been used to repel the attack.
Earlier, Russia accused Ukraine of using “Chaklun-V” strike drones in an alleged attack on Vladimir Putin’s residence in Valdai. The head of Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate, Admiral Igor Kostyukov, handed U.S. officials electronic components from a Ukrainian drone that took part in the attack.
