In a significant escalation of cross-border strikes, Ukraine launched a massive overnight drone assault on Russian territory, with one unmanned aerial vehicle crashing into a major business complex in Grozny, Chechnya. The attack occurred on December 5, 2025, as Russian President Vladimir Putin was engaged in diplomatic meetings in India, highlighting the widening front of the ongoing conflict.
Grozny Business Tower Engulfed in Flames
The strike in the Chechen capital targeted a prominent 145-meter high-rise, causing severe damage. Russian state media footage showed shattered windows and intense flames ripping through the mid-section of the building. Emergency services rushed to the scene as the fire took hold. The location of the attack is particularly sensitive, as the affected complex is situated less than one kilometer from the official residence of Chechen Republic Head, Ramzan Kadyrov.
An unnamed source within the Russian law-enforcement apparatus, cited by the RT network, confirmed the incident was a result of a drone strike. In response, local authorities swiftly imposed temporary restrictions on all flight operations in the vicinity of Grozny to assess the threat and secure the area.
Russia Claims Interception of 41 Drones Nationwide
The strike in Grozny was part of a much broader offensive. The Russian Defence Ministry issued a statement claiming its air defence systems had successfully intercepted and destroyed 41 Ukrainian drones across various regions of the country overnight. This large-scale onslaught represents one of the most extensive drone attacks reported since the beginning of the invasion, signalling Ukraine's growing capability and willingness to strike deep inside Russian territory.
The ministry's announcement underscores the escalating tit-for-tat aerial campaign, where both sides are increasingly using drone technology to target infrastructure, military assets, and symbolic locations far from the front lines.
Attack Coincides with Putin's Diplomatic Mission in India
The timing of the drone barrage is notable, as it unfolded while President Putin was in India for high-level talks. The Russian leader's visit, which included a notable moment where he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a car ride from the Delhi airport, was focused on strengthening bilateral ties. The Ukrainian attack, striking at the heart of a key ally's region, casts a shadow over the diplomatic proceedings and demonstrates the conflict's ability to intrude upon international engagements.
This incident in Grozny, a city previously ravaged by war and now under the firm control of Moscow-aligned leader Kadyrov, is a potent symbolic blow. It challenges the Kremlin's narrative of security and control within its own borders and highlights the vulnerabilities even in regions considered loyalist strongholds.
The aftermath leaves questions about future security protocols and the potential for further escalation, as cross-border drone warfare becomes a regular and devastating feature of the Russia-Ukraine war.
