Ukrainian drone strike disrupts air traffic across Southern Russia

A Ukrainian drone attack on a regional air navigation facility in southern Russia caused widespread disruption to civilian air traffic, temporarily affecting operations at more than a dozen airports across the country.

The strike targeted the Southern Russia Air Navigation Centre in Rostov-on-Don, a key coordination hub responsible for managing airspace in several southern Russian regions. Russian authorities said the attack forced temporary flight restrictions and operational changes at 13 airports, leading to dozens of delays and cancellations.

Airports reportedly affected included Sochi, Volgograd, Stavropol, Mineralnye Vody and Grozny, with thousands of passengers experiencing disruptions as airlines grounded or rerouted flights.

Russian officials stated that no personnel were injured and that specialists were assessing possible damage to communications and air navigation equipment. While some social media reports described the network as “paralysed,” there is no independent confirmation that the facility was completely destroyed.

The incident highlights Ukraine’s increasing use of long-range drones to target infrastructure deep inside Russian territory, aiming to create logistical disruption and economic pressure far from the front line.