Sochi attacked during Putin’s stay
Vladimir Putin (Photo: Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via REUTERS)
Ukrainian drones attacked Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi late on Oct. 2, when dictator Vladimir Putin was in town for the Valdai Discussion Club, independent Russian outlet The Moscow Times reported.
According to the report, which cited local officials, the threat emerged around 10:30 p.m., shortly after Putin concluded his Valdai plenary address. The authorities closed the airports in Sochi and nearby Gelendzhik due to the UAV threat. Thirty minutes later, Sochi Mayor Andrey Proshunin declared a drone strike warning for the city.
Dmitry Plishkin, head of the Sirius federal territory, also reported an attack threat. Locals described hearing air-defense systems firing over the Black Sea, intermittent sirens, and distant explosions.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said its air defenses had neutralized 11 Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea and four additional targets near Crimea. The drone alert in Sochi and Sirius was lifted roughly 30–40 minutes after the incursion began, but airport restrictions remained in effect for about seven hours.
The Association of Tour Operators of Russia said more than 40 flights at Sochi airport were delayed into the morning of Oct. 3.
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