On Thursday, November 6, Ukraine launched a large drone attack on Volgograd, collapsing the city’s infrastructure and forcing the closure of 13 Russian airports.
Volgograd Attack Lasted Several Hours
Ukraine targeted Volgograd on November 6 with a mass drone strike that, according to Russian media, lasted about five hours. Explosions were heard across the west and north of the city, and witnesses reported drones flying low over the Volga River.
The independent Astra channel suggested the Don’s Lukoil oil refinery near Krasnoarmeysk could have been the target, where a fire subsequently erupted.
Casualties and Damage to Residents
Volgograd Governor Andrey Buzanov announced one fatality and reported damage to windows in residential buildings and vehicles in several districts.
Debris from downed drones sparked an industrial fire, and authorities promised temporary shelters for damaged residents while sappers inspected the affected areas.
Flight Suspensions After Night Attack
Russian air defense shot down 75 Ukrainian drones overnight, 45 of which were fired from Volgograd oblast, according to RIA News.
The attack led to the suspension of flights at 13 airports across Russia, part of a series of nighttime raids hitting transport and industrial infrastructure.
Russians Mobilize to Protect Infrastructure
On November 2, a Black Sea port was attacked, prompting the Tuapse refinery to suspend operations.
At least 15 Russian regions, including Bryansk, Kaliningrad, Leningrad, Novgorod, Rostov, and Krasnoyarsk, are recruiting residents for new reserve mobilization units tasked with safeguarding critical sites such as oil refineries targeted by Ukrainian drones.
Officials offer monthly payments ranging from 40,000 to 100,000 rubles (≈ 1,800–4,500 PLN) and one‑time bonuses up to 300,000 rubles (≈ 13,600 PLN).