‘A Moment to Watch Forever’ – Ukrainian Drones Trigger Russian Chaos

In the early hours of Wednesday, April 30, Russia was hit by another wave of Ukrainian drone attacks. As a result, at least three airports temporarily suspended operations, while explosions and fires were reported in multiple regions.

According to Serhiy Bratchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army “South,” a military warehouse likely used by Russian forces was struck in the city of Rylsk in the Kursk region, resulting in a powerful detonation.

“Rylsk got what it deserved – or more precisely, those Russian soldiers hiding something at Avtozavodska Street, 5. We’re still clarifying what exactly was stored there. But it was spectacular. One of those moments you could watch forever – when the orcs get hit,” Bratchuk commented, promising to release more details soon.

Meanwhile, a large fire broke out during a drone attack near the city of Murom, in Russia’s Vladimir region. A warehouse reportedly linked to a local explosives manufacturing plant caught fire, with flames engulfing hundreds of square meters.

Vladimir region governor Oleksandr Avdeyev confirmed that the fire started at an industrial facility in Murom, burning through a warehouse covering 360 square meters (3,900 square feet). No casualties or injuries were reported. Another nearby building sustained minor damage without catching fire, according to local authorities.

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Murom lies approximately 700 kilometers (about 435 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

Bratchuk suggested the likely target may have been the Murom Instrument-Building Plant located in the Verbovsky district – a multi-purpose enterprise that manufactures ignition and initiation systems for ammunition used by Russia’s armed forces, the Interior Ministry, and Russia’s Federal security Service (FSB).

“This facility, also known as the ‘powder plant,’ produces pyrotechnic components and has been under EU and Ukrainian sanctions since 2023,” he added.

Russian Telegram channel Astra also supported this version of events.

Around 6:00 a.m. Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) announced the temporary suspension of operations at three airports – in Ivanovo, Nizhny Novgorod, and Yaroslavl – citing flight safety concerns. Flights resumed about an hour later.

Due to the attack, Russia implemented its “Kilim” contingency plan, which involves a complete ban on air traffic in affected zones. Until 7:15 a.m. no departures or arrivals were allowed at the three airports – including in Nizhny Novgorod, which had been targeted by Ukrainian drones the day before.

According to Russia’s Ministry of Defense, its air defenses allegedly shot down 34 Ukrainian drones overnight: 15 over the Kursk region, 8 over Bryansk, 7 over Oryol, 3 over Vladimir, and 1 over Belgorod.

As of the time of publication, Ukraine had not officially commented on any involvement in the strikes.