Maria Zakharova, a representative of Russia’s Foreign Ministry, signaled that Moscow could respond after drone attacks targeting Belgorod region and the Republic of Tatarstan. Zakharova said those she alleged were responsible for the attacks would be identified and punished, adding that a military response remained an option.
Thirteen people reported killed in Nizhnekamsk
Residential buildings and industrial facilities in the Tatarstan city of Nizhnekamsk were targeted by drones on the morning of August 10. Zakharova said 13 people were killed in the attack and 39 were injured, adding that a child was among those killed.
Different figures were given for the number of injured after the Nizhnekamsk attack. One statement said 75 people had sought medical care and 21 had been hospitalized, while another announcement put the number of injured at 48.
Treatment for those hospitalized continued under the coordination of the Federal Center for Disaster Medicine affiliated with Russia’s Health Ministry. Authorities announced that the families of those killed would receive payments of 2 million rubles each.
Residential areas hit in Belgorod
Zakharova said drones had attacked residential areas in the city of Belgorod during the night of August 8-9. She said six civilians were killed and 27 people were injured, including two children aged 4 and 9.
The attacks damaged about 30 apartment buildings, as well as social facilities, administrative and commercial buildings, and more than 30 vehicles.
Flights temporarily suspended
The “Kover” plan, which completely restricted aircraft takeoffs and landings, was temporarily implemented at Begishevo Airport in Nizhnekamsk. Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency later lifted the restrictions.
Wildberries’ sorting center suspended operations to evacuate employees. Rustam Minnikhanov, head of the Republic of Tatarstan, declared official mourning in the region, and entertainment events were canceled.
Nizhnekamsk Mayor Radmir Belyayev announced that celebrations planned for August 15 to mark the city’s 60th anniversary had been completely canceled.
Investigation launched
Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a criminal investigation into the attack on charges of a terrorist act. Zakharova alleged that daily drone attacks were continuing in other Russian regions and that children, women and elderly people had also been killed in those attacks.
The Russian diplomat said Moscow condemned the attacks and called on international organizations and independent media outlets to assess the incidents. Zakharova said they would regard silence in the face of new attacks targeting civilians as support.
