On the evening of January 20, explosions were heard in the settlements of Afipsky and Novaya Adygea in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai. Fires broke out. Local media reported significant damage. Preliminary reports indicate that the Afipsky oil refinery was affected. A multi-story residential building in one of the villages of the Republic of Adygea was also hit. Russians attributed this to an attack by Ukrainian drones. At the same time, videos recorded by residents show the launch of a Russian air defense missile, which hit the residential area instead of intercepting its target.
Major Fire and Damage
According to eyewitnesses, the explosions damaged an apartment building. At least six floors were affected, and windows and balconies in 12–25 apartments were destroyed. As noted by the regional head, Murat Kumpilov, around twenty-five cars were also damaged, some of which caught fire. All residents were evacuated, and some were relocated to temporary accommodation centers.
According to the latest data from Russia’s Ministry of Health, 13 people were injured in the explosions. Nine were hospitalized, and four received outpatient care.
Russian Versions and Refutation
On social media, Russian users and propaganda outlets actively spread claims that the building was attacked by a Ukrainian drone. Some also suggest that it could have been a Ukrainian “Flamingo” missile. However, videos shared by local residents show the launch and subsequent impact of a Russian air defense missile. Therefore, the available evidence does not confirm a Ukrainian drone strike and simultaneously illustrates an example of Russian information and psychological operations, according to OSINT analysts from ASTRA, who analyzed footage from the scene.
Other Explosions in Russia
On the night of January 21, explosions were also reported in Belgorod and Oryol. Residents noted a series of blasts at energy infrastructure facilities, smoke at the Oryol TPP, and air-raid sirens. According to the governor of Belgorod, some regional energy facilities were damaged. Parts of Oryol experienced power outages.
Conclusions
Last night, explosions were recorded in several Russian cities, including residential buildings in Krasnodar Krai. Videos from local residents show that a Russian air defense missile hit a residential area instead of intercepting its target. Claims of a Ukrainian attack, actively spread by Russian propaganda channels, are not supported by facts and serve as an example of PSYOP.
In other regions, including Belgorod and Oryol, energy facilities were damaged. Earlier, Russia’s Ministry of Defense also claimed the supposed downing of 75 Ukrainian drones.
