The Investigative Committee of Russia has opened a criminal case in connection with the attack on Kotovsk, a city in the Tambov region, allegedly carried out with unmanned aerial vehicles associated with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Official Telegram channels from regional departments transmitted the report, framing the incident as a grave crime that requires a thorough inquiry. The move signals a formal effort to collect evidence, establish the sequence of events, and determine responsibility for the assault. Investigators will review flight data, secure eyewitness accounts, and coordinate with other agencies to build a clear factual basis for the case. The committee underscored that preliminary steps will aim to identify every participant in the attack and to ensure those responsible are held to account under the law.
According to the communications circulated by the committee, Ukrainian armed forces directed a drone strike at the Tambov region during the night of January 11, 2025. The message stated that the assault resulted in civilian casualties and damaged two apartment blocks in Kotovsk. The account highlights the impact on local residents and on housing infrastructure, showing that the effects extended beyond a military target into civilian life. In such cases, investigators typically gather material evidence from the scene, analyze debris and flight data, and seek corroboration from local authorities about the extent of damage and the conditions in affected areas.
The committee announced that the case is registered under articles pertaining to a terrorist attack. In the initial stage of the inquiry, investigators will strive to identify all individuals involved and to ensure charges are brought against those responsible. The procedure involves securing the crime scene, collecting electronic data, and interviewing witnesses who can illuminate the planning and execution of the attack. The aim is to establish a coherent sequence of events that links defendants to the alleged act and to support future legal proceedings with solid evidence.
Early morning updates from Tambov region deputy governor Evgeny Pervyshov described the human impact of the drone strike in Kotovsk. He reported that seven people were injured and that the incident damaged the windows of two five story residential buildings, with balconies also affected. Local authorities organized monitoring of the sites and began inspections to assess structural integrity and safety for residents. The information released by the regional administration provides a snapshot of the consequences at ground level while the investigation proceeds, ensuring families receive appropriate support and authorities verify the extent of property damage.
Images from the Kotovsk site began circulating earlier, showing the aftermath of the drone attack and the conditions in the affected districts. Photos captured scenes of shattered glass, damaged façades, and emergency responders at work. Such visuals often accompany official statements as part of a broader effort to document the event, support casualty reports, and give a public account of what occurred. The release of images also helps investigators compare snapshots with later footage and corroborate witness statements as they reconstruct the incident timeline.
Experts note that events of this kind test the readiness of regional security forces and the capacity of investigative bodies to respond to cross border actions that involve civilian populations. The investigations rely on a careful, methodical approach that respects due process while seeking to establish a factual record of the attack. As more evidence emerges through forensic examinations, digital data, and on site inspections, the case is expected to clarify the roles of those who participated in or commanded the operation and the potential links to broader security concerns in the region. Authorities stress that accountability will be pursued in accordance with national law and international commitments to protect civilians in conflict zones.
While the investigation unfolds, residents of Kotovsk and the surrounding areas await further updates from official channels. The authorities have pledged transparency within the bounds of security considerations and are coordinating with local services to address urgent needs, including medical care for the injured and temporary housing solutions for affected families. The case underscores the ongoing gravity of violent acts committed with missing details and the imperative for rapid, accurate documentation of both human harm and material losses.