What should have been a quiet summer night in the popular Russian resort city of Sochi turned into chaos and fear as Ukrainian drones launched a large-scale attack in the early hours of Thursday, July 24.
For many residents and tourists, it was a terrifying reminder of just how close the frontlines of war can feel — even in a vacation town.
Sirens, Panic, and Evacuations
The assault began just after midnight, setting off air raid sirens across the city.
Sochi Airport quickly went into emergency mode, suspending all arrivals and departures.
Guests at hotels in both Sochi and neighboring Adler were evacuated from their rooms and taken to underground parking lots for safety.
“It hasn’t stopped since midnight,” one resident said. “Sirens just keep going, and it’s terrifying out there.”
The sky lit up with drone flashes and fire as the attack continued through the early hours.
Civilian Casualties as Debris Rains Down
The violence wasn’t just limited to the skies.
In Adler, drone debris crashed down onto a garage complex, killing a woman and seriously injuring another person who was rushed to the hospital.
A fire broke out, spreading across an area of about 200 square meters.
Eyewitnesses even recorded video of a kamikaze-style drone — identified as an An-196 “Lyutyi” — flying dangerously low over the city.
Other drones lit up the night sky with smaller flashes, while wreckage was reported on the highway near the New Adler Bridge.
Dozens of Drones Shot Down by Russian Defenses
Russian air defense systems were working overtime throughout the night.
Between 8:40 PM on July 23 and 1:40 AM on July 24, they reportedly intercepted 39 Ukrainian drones.
Of those, 21 were shot down over the Black Sea, 11 over the Sea of Azov, and seven over the Krasnodar region.
Ukrainian forces didn’t stop there — they also attempted drone strikes on Crimea and Russia’s Belgorod region during the same time frame.
Oil Depot Goes Up in Flames
One of the most significant targets hit was an oil depot in the Sirius district.
Dmitry Plishkin, head of the federal territory, confirmed the strike and said it caused a fire that forced authorities to block off the surrounding area.
Both locals and visitors were told to stay away, whether on foot or by car, due to the ongoing risk.
Travel Chaos at Sochi Airport
The aftermath was felt not just in the city, but in the skies.
By 8:50 AM, Sochi Airport had logged 63 delayed flights — 29 planes stuck on the ground waiting to take off and another 34 in holding patterns, waiting to land.
It wasn’t until around 3:00 AM that authorities finally lifted the flight restrictions.
What Happens Now?
This attack marks one of the boldest air offensives Ukraine has launched on Russian territory so far — and it’s raised serious questions about how much further this conflict could escalate.
Sochi, known more for its beaches and holidaymakers than warfare, now finds itself grappling with the reality of modern drone warfare.
For residents and visitors alike, it’s a chilling reminder that no place is entirely out of reach in this conflict.