The lack of a plan for dealing with drone attacks has alarmed residents of Chechnya.

The warning systems, which were tested for the third time this month in Chechnya, are operational, but there is no information on what to do in the event of a drone attack or missile strike, nor is there information on shelters, residents said. Human rights activists emphasized that the authorities are showing indifference to the fate of the republic's residents.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," amid the increasing frequency of drone attacks, Chechen authorities organized at least two tests of emergency sirens over the course of three days. Another test was announced for December 22. Authorities report on the tests but do not explain what to do in the event of a real threat, social media users noted. Attacks on the republic and tests of the warning systems are causing anxiety among those who survived the Chechen military campaigns, social media users noted. People who have previously experienced wars and the associated losses and hardships are vulnerable, and drone attacks in Chechnya, and even testing of warning systems, generate fear and anxiety among some residents. Psychologists noted that mobile internet shutdowns deprive people of access to reliable information and only exacerbate this situation.

Chechnya residents confirmed the lack of information on what to do in the event of a drone attack

Chechnya residents complained about the lack of information on the necessary steps in the event of a drone attack or missile threat.

If a real attack occurs, I personally don't know the course of action.

"The warning system works fine; we hear the signal, but we don't know what to do. We heard the signal once, but didn't know it was a system test. We got scared and looked for a load-bearing wall in the apartment to hide in. Then we learned it was a drill. But if a real attack happens, I personally don't know the course of action," Grozny resident Muslim told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to him, he doesn't have access to the basement of the building where he lives.

"There's no access. It's locked. Maybe those who live on the floors below have keys, but my floor neighbors and I definitely won't get in. So now we know where the load-bearing wall is, we'll hide there and wait if something happens," he noted.

Owners of private houses are also not informed of the necessary action plan.

"There is no action plan, no one gave us one. But we know what needs to be done "Go down to the basement and wait there for the air raid alarm to end. We have our own basement; we live in a private house. So in this sense, we're protected, unlike residents of apartment buildings," Zelimkhan told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to him, local television reports often talk about the need for shelter in the event of missile attacks.

"Yes, they say you need to hide in the basement if a missile alarm sounds. If that can be considered informing residents, then yes, we know that. But if I had a piece of paper at home telling me how and what to do, I'd feel much more at ease." "We can hear the alarm, everything is working," he said.

The administrator of a Telegram channel opposed to the Chechen authorities confirms that residents are not given any instructions on how to behave during a drone attack.

"The only thing people receive is SMS messages about the 'drone danger,' telling them to call the police if they spot a drone, and threats that filming drones will result in punishment," he told a Caucasian Knot correspondent.

According to his information, "no information or instructions about shelters have been given so far." "After the recent drone attacks, the authorities began testing sirens, but no one understood what to do when they hear these sounds. "In general, safety precautions are limited to formalities," he noted.

People experience discomfort, confusion, and misunderstanding.

He is sure that training sirens frighten people more than they help.

"Even the sounds of sirens have left many confused about why they are needed. This creates a sense of impending disaster. But at the same time, if the authorities begin actively talking about self-defense methods and safety measures, then people will get the impression that a "military operation" has already come to their home. People experience discomfort, confusion, and misunderstanding. But the majority of the population understands that drone strikes are not directed against civilians," he noted, pointing out that the targets In Chechnya, the targets of attacks are primarily security forces.

Human rights activists have pointed to the indifference of the Chechen authorities to the fates of the republic's residents.

The lack of information about self-defense methods and shelters creates uncertainty, fear, and anxiety among residents about their future, according to Svetlana Gannushkina*, Head of the Civic Assistance Committee. .

"The main thing is the authorities' lack of interest in how citizens feel and experience what is happening. They are simply material for the realization of their interests and goals. Of course, people are constantly under stress and don't expect anything good from those who should represent their interests," she told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

18:59 13.12.2025

Psychologists linked with Chechen Campaigns are raising anxiety among residents of the republic amid drone attacks.

People who have previously experienced wars and the associated losses and hardships are vulnerable, and drone attacks in Chechnya and even testing of warning systems are generating fear and anxiety among some residents. Psychologists noted that mobile internet shutdowns are depriving them of access to reliable information and only exacerbate this condition.

The experience of two Chechen wars affects residents of the republic differently in the context of the danger of missile attacks and drone strikes, she notes.

"This affects different people differently. Some are no longer afraid of anything and live for the moment, some merge with the system, and some become neurotic and are afraid of any movement. "And in all cases, the past and present in Chechnya give rise to various types of psychopathies," the human rights activist noted.

Most Chechen residents aren't afraid of drones or missile attacks, says Caucasus expert Ruslan Kutayev*.

"I've never heard of anyone I speak with being frightened by a drone attack or a missile strike. Most residents remember the war years, and against that backdrop, these rare attacks don't frighten them. Many don't even pay attention to these reports about the missile threat and the need to take cover. They just live their lives, ordinary ones,” he told a “Caucasian Knot” correspondent.

He also doubts that there are bomb shelters available to residents in Chechnya.

“I don’t live there now, but I haven’t come across any information that there is a place to hide. My friends haven’t told me about it. It’s unlikely that the authorities are thinking about creating such places for citizens,” he noted.

We've updated our apps for Android and IOS! We appreciate your feedback and development ideas both on Google Play/App Store and on KU's social media pages. Without installing a VPN, you can read us on Telegram (in Dagestan, Chechnya, and Ingushetia, with a VPN). Using a VPN, you can continue reading "Caucasian Knot" on the website as usual, and on social networks: Facebook**, Instagram**, "VKontakte", "Odnoklassniki" and X. You can watch the "Caucasian Knot" video on YouTube. Send messages to +49 157 72317856 on WhatsApp**, to the same number on Telegram, or write to @Caucasian_Knot.

* added to the Ministry of Justice's register of foreign agents.

** Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) is banned in Russia.