Mystery object described as ‘UFO’ eliminated in southern Russia

On January 3, a mysterious object described as a “UFO” was shot down in the southern Russian region of Rostov. The governor of the region, Vasily Golubev, reported that the object was a “small-size object in the shape of a ball” flying at an altitude of around one and a half miles above the village of Sultan Sala. In response, the decision was made to “liquidate” the object, and all forces and means were deployed to ensure security, including anti-aircraft defenses.

Local news outlet Pivyet Rostov referred to the incident as a “UFO in the form of a ball” being shot down, and Telegram channels reported on the activation of air defense systems in Rostov. A video shared on the channel Ostorozhna, Novosti showed a shining object flying and then exploding in the sky, with someone heard saying “look, another one has gone.” Witnesses described a “very strong explosion” and their houses shaking due to the activity of the air defenses.

Rostov, located on the border of the Sea of Azov, has been the site of regular shelling and drone attacks during the ongoing war in Ukraine. In October, the region was designated as a “medium-response level” area, with restrictions on movement and increased public order measures put in place. The annexation of four regions in Ukraine, including Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk, has resulted in a “maximum response,” or martial law, being imposed.

It remains unclear exactly what the object was that was shot down in Rostov, but the incident has sparked speculation and intrigue among local residents and beyond.