Close shave as Vladimir Putin 'was in Russian beach resort hit by Ukrainian drone strike'

 

Drone Strike Hits Sochi Amid Putin’s Visit, Killing Motorist and Damaging Homes

The Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi was struck by Ukrainian drones overnight, reportedly while President Vladimir Putin was in the city. The attack destroyed an unmanned drone that fatally hit a motorist and damaged seven residential buildings, marking the latest escalation in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Putin, 72, frequently visits Sochi, where his official residence, Bocharov Ruchey, is currently under renovation. His rumored partner, Alina Kabaeva, is also said to own a luxury penthouse in the area. While it is unclear whether Putin himself was the target, Russian air defense units engaged the drones, intercepting several as they approached the city and the Black Sea region.

Damage and Local Response

Seven homes, several vehicles, and the burial site of Soviet aviation hero Sergey Troepolsky near Sochi airport were damaged. Sochi Mayor Andrey Proshunin confirmed, “The facades of seven houses and several cars were shredded by shrapnel, and we have already begun to address the aftermath.” Authorities have also imposed strict restrictions, banning residents from recording drone activity or sharing information about military and critical infrastructure sites.

Putin’s Presence and Security Measures

The Kremlin confirmed Putin’s presence in Sochi during his remote participation in a BRICS conference hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. His presidential aircraft, an Il-96-300PU of the Rossiya flight squadron, was stationed at Sochi’s airfield. Emergency sirens reportedly sounded three times during the night as Russian forces intercepted drones over Krasnodar and the Black Sea, downing at least 15 additional drones.

Putin has largely avoided prolonged stays in Sochi during the conflict, preferring short visits. He also maintains a private palace at Cape Idokopas in nearby Gelendzhik, which itself suffered a drone strike in late August, causing forest fires that required extensive firefighting efforts.