Ukrainian Drones Target Dagestan in First Attack Since Invasion

Ukrainian Drones Target Dagestan in First Attack Since Invasion

In a significant escalation of conflict, Ukrainian drones launched a targeted assault on the North Caucasus republic of Dagestan early Wednesday, marking the region’s first drone attack since Moscow initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to multiple media sources and local authorities.

Dagestan’s head, Sergei Melikov, reported on Telegram, “This morning, air defense forces successfully intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial vehicle over Kaspiysk,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Kaspiysk, a key port city named after the Caspian Sea, is strategically positioned approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) southeast of Ukraine’s border, highlighting its geographic significance amidst the ongoing hostilities.

Despite Melikov’s warnings against the dissemination of images and videos related to the attack—which he cautioned could aid adversarial elements—social media platforms witnessed widespread sharing of footage showing the flights and downing of what appeared to be multiple drones over Kaspiysk.

Baza, a Telegram channel with established connections to Russian security agencies, claimed that a total of four drones were involved in the attack on the city, amplifying concerns over the extent of the drone threat.

In a troubling development, the channel reported that a 16-year-old girl sustained shrapnel injuries due to one of the drone strikes, a report later confirmed by regional health officials to state-run news agencies, underscoring the impact of the violence on civilian life.

Video evidence collected by the independent Telegram news outlet Astra indicated that one of the drones might have detonated over the garrison associated with the Russian Navy’s Caspian Flotilla, raising alarms about the vulnerabilities faced by the military.

Later in the day, Agence France-Presse (AFP) cited an unnamed military intelligence source in Kyiv, who revealed that Ukrainian kamikaze drones had struck two Russian warships operating in the Caspian Sea near Dagestan’s coast, signaling a significant tactical development.

According to the intelligence source, “For the first time, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine’s kamikaze drones hit enemy ships in the Caspian Sea,” a statement that illustrates the evolving nature of warfare in the region.

While Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged that it had destroyed two drones in other areas overnight, officials did not provide immediate commentary concerning the attacks in Dagestan, reflecting the fog of war surrounding these incidents.

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a “foreign agent.”

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.” We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It’s quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you’re defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Continue

Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

×

Remind me next month

Thank you! Your reminder is set.

We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy.

**Interview with⁤ Dr. Elena Voronova, Military Analyst and Eastern European Affairs⁢ Expert**

**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Voronova. ⁤This morning, we saw reports confirming Ukraine’s first drone attack in Dagestan, a region not previously targeted in the ‌conflict. ⁢What ‌is the significance of ​this escalation⁤ in terms of military strategy?

**Dr. Voronova:** Thank you for having me. The attack on​ Dagestan⁢ is indeed a significant development. ​It indicates a widening of the conflict, ‍as⁣ Ukraine aims to ⁣exert pressure on Russian military assets beyond the front lines. Dagestan’s geographic position near ‍the Caspian⁣ Sea makes it a ‍strategic target, and the interception of drones‌ over Kaspiysk highlights the ‍ongoing vulnerabilities within Russian air defenses.

**Interviewer:** There are reports of damage to military ⁢installations, specifically linked to‍ the Russian ⁣Navy’s Caspian Flotilla. What implications does this‌ have for Russia’s naval ⁢capabilities in the region?

**Dr. Voronova:** Hitting naval assets is⁢ particularly impactful, ‍as it threatens not⁢ only military supply routes⁤ but also undermines Russian naval ⁤operations in the ⁣Caspian Sea. The reported injuries to a civilian, particularly⁤ a young girl, also emphasize​ the collateral damage of such military ⁣engagements. This could provoke a stronger ‍response from Russia, both in ⁣terms of military retaliation and increased security measures‍ in its⁤ coastal areas.

**Interviewer:** The social media response ​has been considerable, with ⁢widespread sharing of footage related to the attack. How do you ⁣view the role of social media in modern⁢ warfare?

**Dr. Voronova:** Social media ⁤plays a dual role. On‍ one hand, ⁤it serves as a⁤ tool for spreading information quickly, which can enhance transparency and accountability during conflicts. On the other hand, it can be⁣ a double-edged sword—leaking sensitive⁣ information that could‍ assist ‌adversaries. ‍This incident reflects the ⁢challenges of managing information in warfare, particularly when dealing with civilian casualties.

**Interviewer:** This attack suggests a new phase in drone warfare. How do you foresee the conflict evolving in light of this development?

**Dr. Voronova:** We are witnessing an evolution in tactics, with both sides⁢ increasingly relying on drones ⁢for strategic strikes. Ukraine appears to be ⁢shifting⁢ toward ‌more aggressive operations⁢ aimed at critical ⁣Russian infrastructure ⁢and ⁣military assets.⁤ As both parties adapt, we might see an increase ⁢in drone technology’s sophistication‍ and utilization, which will likely play a central role in shaping the next stages of ⁤this⁢ conflict.

**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Voronova, for your insights ⁢into this critical ⁢development.

**Dr. ​Voronova:** Thank you for the ⁢discussion. It’s​ essential ⁤to stay informed about ⁤these developments as they unfold.

Leave a Replay