Camilla Jessen
Attack hits suspected drone plant in Rostov Oblast.
Drones struck the city of Taganrog in Russia’s Rostov Oblast early on Jan. 13, according to Russian Telegram channels. Monitoring groups said the attack appeared to target an industrial site linked to drone production.
Videos circulating online showed flames at a facility while air defense systems were reportedly engaging aerial targets above the city.
According to The Kyiv Independent, Russian regional officials later confirmed that Taganrog had come under attack but did not initially name the site involved.
Suspected target
Several Russian Telegram channels identified the facility as Atlant Aero, a company that produces components for combat drones, drone control systems and electronic warfare equipment.
While these claims have not been independently verified, footage shared online showed a fire burning at what local sources described as the industrial complex.
Additional images and videos continued to surface later in the morning as authorities examined the aftermath.
Official response
Rostov Oblast Governor Yuriy Slyusar confirmed that air defenses were active during the incident.
“Air defense forces are currently repelling an aerial attack on Taganrog,” Slyusar wrote. “No information about civilian casualties has been received. Data on ground damage is being clarified.”
He did not specify which facilities were affected or the scale of the damage.
Strategic location
Rostov Oblast lies along Russia’s border with Ukraine and borders the Russian-occupied regions of Luhansk and Donetsk. Because of its proximity to the front line, the region has frequently been targeted by Ukrainian long-range strikes.
Ukraine has not officially commented on the Taganrog attack.
The reported strike comes amid an intensifying exchange of long-range attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 11 that over the past week alone, Russia had launched nearly 1,100 strike drones, 890 guided aerial bombs and 50 missiles against Ukraine.
Sources: Russian Telegram channels, Rostov Oblast Governor Yuriy Slyusar, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
