Kathrine Frich
Sochi is described as Vladimir Putin’s favorite resort.
Sochi is described as Vladimir Putin’s favorite resort.
Where the strike happened
Reports say a Ukrainian drone was downed over Sochi, the Black Sea resort city.
A car driver was killed in the incident.
Local alarms sounded three times overnight as air defenses engaged targets.
Why Sochi matters to Putin
Sochi is described as Vladimir Putin’s favorite resort.
He has an official residence there, Bocharov Ruchey, which is undergoing reconstruction.
His partner Alina Kabaeva is said to own a luxury penthouse in the city.
Tight restrictions hint at high-level presence
City authorities imposed heavy limits on filming drone activity and sharing locations of military or “critically important” facilities.
Such curbs are reported to be linked to Putin’s presence in Sochi.
Residents were warned against posting sensitive details.
Damage on the ground
Officials reported damage to seven private houses and multiple cars from shrapnel.
The grave of Soviet war pilot Sergey Troepolsky near Sochi airport was also damaged.
Cleanup efforts began shortly after the strikes.
Air defenses and drone tally
Russian forces said they shot down two drones over Krasnodar Krai, the region that includes Sochi.
Another 15 drones were reportedly downed over the Black Sea.
Sirens and intercepts were heard in several parts of the area through the night.
Putin’s schedule during the episode
The Kremlin confirmed Putin was in Sochi on Monday.
He appeared remotely at a virtual BRICS summit convened by Brazil’s president.
The meeting focused on sanctions and tariffs, according to the reports.
The presidential aircraft in Sochi
Putin’s Il-96-300PU, tail number RA-96024, was reported at Sochi’s airport.
This “Flying Kremlin” model has been used for high-profile trips, including the flight to Alaska for a recent meeting with Donald Trump.
The aircraft’s presence signaled a full presidential setup.
Security messaging to residents
Authorities warned people not to film or share details about armed forces or security services.
Posts revealing positions or damage locations risk aiding further strikes.
A broader Black Sea pattern
Sochi has not been a frequent wartime base for Putin, beyond short visits.
He also has a large private palace near Gelendzhik on Cape Idokopas, about 96 miles away.
Gelendzhik saw drone attacks in late August that sparked forest fires and a major response by firefighters.
