Ukrainian drones hit Nizhnekamsk in the early hours of August 10, with explosions reported in both industrial and residential areas. Tatarstan Head Rustam Minnikhanov said 13 people had been killed in the attack and declared a period of mourning in the republic. Russian authorities said the attack caused casualties and damage in the city.
According to local authorities, 75 people sought medical assistance following the attack, while 21 were hospitalized.
Local media initially reported that citizens of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan were among those killed. The Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Kazan later confirmed that seven of the victims were Uzbek nationals.
The consulate expressed its condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased and said arrangements would be made to repatriate the victims’ remains to Uzbekistan after forensic examinations and other necessary formal procedures are completed.
No information has yet been released on whether any Uzbek nationals are among those injured. The circumstances and exact locations in which the Uzbek citizens were killed have also not been disclosed.
Several industrial facilities in Nizhnekamsk were reportedly targeted in the attack. Footage circulated online showed a fire at an oil refinery in the city. Reports also said the Nizhnekamskneftekhim petrochemical complex had come under attack.
The industrial zone is also home to the TANECO oil refinery, operated by Tatneft, as well as the TAIF-NK refinery complex. Reuters reported that the TANECO refinery was among the facilities affected by the attack.
Ukrainian authorities have not publicly confirmed responsibility for all of the reported strikes on Nizhnekamsk. Ukraine has, however, intensified drone attacks on Russian oil and petrochemical infrastructure in recent months.
