Janice R. Andrews
A milestone in the ongoing conflict occurred Tuesday when Ukrainian forces conducted their first-ever drone strike in Chechnya, hitting the Russian Special Forces University in Gudermes, about 22 kilometers from Grozny. The pre-dawn attack at 6:30 a.m. set fire to the roof of an unoccupied building at the facility.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov acknowledged the incident on Telegram, confirming that emergency responders quickly extinguished the blaze. “No casualties were reported,” he stated, though he did not elaborate on the attack’s source.
Social media videos captured flames and thick smoke rising from the complex. The targeted facility, a private institution specializing in special forces training, has been instrumental in preparing troops deployed to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
This strategic strike represents a bold move by Kyiv, demonstrating its capability to conduct military operations deep within Russian territory. The incident remains under investigation by Russian authorities.
