9/11 Like Attack Takes Place In Russia; All Flights At Kazan Airport Suspended

A drone attack reminiscent of 9/11 struck Kazan, Russia, on the morning of 21 December 2024. According to Reuters, Ukraine launched eight drone strikes on the city, with six targeting residential areas. Kazan is located 720 kilometers from Moscow. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported yet. Videos circulating online show drones crashing into buildings. Following these attacks, airports in Kazan and another Russian city were closed.

Just a day before the Kazan incident, Ukraine targeted Kursk in Russia, while Russia retaliated by attacking Kyiv. The Ukrainian assault on Kursk involved US missiles and resulted in six deaths. In response, Russia's strike on Kyiv killed one person. European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen noted that the building hit in Kyiv housed several diplomatic missions. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his intention to discuss ending the conflict with Putin.

Drone Attacks and International Reactions

Four months prior to this event, Ukraine had attacked a 38-storey residential building named Volga Sky in Saratov, Russia. Saratov hosts a strategic bomber base for Russia. That attack injured four individuals. In retaliation, Russia launched 100 missiles and drones at Ukraine, causing six fatalities and injuring over 150 people.

In a separate incident four days ago, Igor Kirillov, Russia's nuclear chief, was killed in an explosion in Moscow. As Kirillov exited an apartment building, a nearby scooter exploded. Ukrainian officials claimed responsibility for his death through Reuters. A source linked to Ukraine's Security Service Agency (SBU) confirmed their involvement.

Escalating Tensions Between Nations

The SBU accused Kirillov of authorising chemical weapon use nearly 5,000 times under his leadership. They alleged that over 700 instances occurred in May this year alone. This accusation adds another layer to the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently expressed willingness to end the war with Ukraine by negotiating with Donald Trump. Putin mentioned they hadn't spoken for over four years but was open to meeting Trump if he agreed.

The situation remains tense as both nations continue their aggressive exchanges amidst international calls for peace talks and resolutions.