UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), or drone, is an aircraft operated without a pilot on board. Since 2026, Nizhny Novgorod Region has been regularly subjected to attacks by Ukrainian UAVs, resulting in both material damage and changes to regional legislation and the operating regime of infrastructure.

Attacks on the Territory of Nizhny Novgorod Region

On May 28, 2026, the Armed Forces of Ukraine attacked Nizhny Novgorod Region. Several drones were shot down over the region; one of them damaged the building of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Court. According to preliminary information, there were no casualties. Chkalov Airport that day received and dispatched aircraft only by prior approval. Governor Gleb Nikitin reported that specialists had arrived at the scene and urged residents to remain calm.[1]

On the night of October 23, 2026, a strike hit Gorodets Okrug. The drone danger alert was declared at 10:48 p.m. on October 22; the airport was closed at 3:43 a.m. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the destruction of 443 drones across the country that night. In Gorodets Okrug, the dam between Zavolzhye and the village of Zaborovo was temporarily closed, cultural events were canceled, and schools switched to distance learning. Three residents of the okrug were injured and hospitalized; several residential buildings, one educational facility, and one infrastructure facility were damaged. The drone danger alert was lifted in the morning, the airport resumed operations at 11:30 a.m., and a state of emergency was declared in the okrug during the day.[2][3]

On the night of October 16, 2026, Russian air defense systems shot down 644 Ukrainian drones. The attack covered 27 regions of the country, including Nizhny Novgorod Region. From the evening of October 15 until the morning of October 16, a drone danger alert was in effect in the region, and Chkalov Airport imposed temporary restrictions on flights.[4]

On the night of November 1, 2026, Nizhny Novgorod Region came under a massive attack: Governor Nikitin reported the destruction of more than a hundred drones. An industrial enterprise in Kstovsky District sustained significant damage, as did civilian infrastructure facilities. Mayor of Nizhny Novgorod Yuri Shalabaev clarified that an industrial enterprise and a municipal infrastructure facility had been affected. No casualties were initially recorded. The Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia opened a criminal case under Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (act of terrorism); as part of the investigation, the type and models of the UAVs were being determined, along with the individuals from among the Ukrainian armed formations involved in the attack.[5]

Restrictive Measures and Legal Consequences

On September 25, 2026, a ban was introduced in Nizhny Novgorod Region on photo and video recording, as well as on the dissemination in the media and on social networks of materials showing the aftermath of acts of terrorism, sabotage, and UAV attacks. The publication of information that would make it possible to identify the launch site, flight path, or crash site of drones, the type of munitions used, and the nature of damage to facilities is also prohibited. Disclosing the locations of air defense forces, the Rosgvardia (National Guard), law enforcement agencies, and critical infrastructure is separately prohibited. Violations carry administrative liability; the decree does not apply to government bodies or to official publications that cite official sources.[6]

In August 2026, a resident of Kstovsky District was held administratively liable for publishing a video recording that indicated the location where a UAV had fallen — the first documented case of such a fine in the region. The inquiry was conducted by Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Nizhny Novgorod Region.[4]

Sources

  1. Kommersant (Volga Region) — UAV attack in Nizhny Novgorod Region: court building damaged, no casualties
  2. V gorode N — There are casualties. Ukrainian UAV attack on Gorodets Okrug — chronology of events
  3. Govorit Nizhny — Three Nizhny Novgorod residents injured as a result of UAV attack
  4. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" — Ukrainian UAV attack repelled in Nizhny Novgorod Region on October 16 Nizhny Novgorod News
  5. Interfax — Terrorism case opened after UAV attack in Nizhny Novgorod Region
  6. Vremya N — Ban on photographing and filming the aftermath of UAV attacks introduced in Nizhny Novgorod Region
Materials from the following articles were used (1)

Closure of the Nizhny Novgorod Hydroelectric Station dam due to the UAV threat on October 23, 2026