Accused of operating a drone, Uhtinets stands accused.
Unauthorized Drone Flight in Uhta City Leads to Fines
In Uhta City, Russia, a man operating a drone near an oil refinery has faced the consequences of unauthorized drone flights, as stipulated by the country's strict drone regulations.
The incident, which occurred over the territory of the MO GO "Uhta", saw the drone reaching heights of 100 to 200 meters above city streets. The man steered the drone towards the oil refinery, but upon reaching the facility's border, he turned the drone around and returned it to the starting point.
The unauthorized flight violated current legislation regarding drone operations. The drone weighed approximately 700 grams, making registration mandatory. The owner of the aircraft failed to register the drone with Rosaviation and did not notify local authorities of the flight.
In July 2025, the man was administratively fined for operating an unregistered drone. He was fined 2,000 rubles for violating safety rules for operating aircraft (Article 11.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Additionally, he was fined 30,000 rubles for violation of airspace rules (Part 2 of Article 11.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
The FSB of Russia for the Republic of Komi issued a warning about the consequences of operating a drone without state registration and the appropriate permit for using airspace. Unauthorized use of a drone can also lead to suspension of the right to operate an aircraft for a specified period. In severe cases, such as causing accidents or flying near critical or protected sites, criminal charges can lead to multi-year prison sentences under Russia’s anti-terrorism and air safety laws.
The Komi Republic, like other regions in Russia, is subject to the same rigorous federal drone laws and penalties. Amid heightened security concerns due to drone attacks, especially around critical infrastructure and hospitals, Russia is increasing counter-drone defenses and tightening regulations nationwide.
The warning emphasizes the importance of following drone operation rules to avoid legal consequences and potential misinterpretations. The FSB for the Komi Republic has made it clear that any UAV found near military, industrial, or transport facilities may be considered a reconnaissance device or a carrier of an explosive charge by law enforcement.
This incident serves as a reminder of the strict regulations governing drone operations in Russia. As the country supports domestic drone production, it also maintains tight control over their use to ensure safety and security.
The unregistered drone, a piece of technology, was the cause of the man's administrative fines due to its unauthorized flight near the oil refinery. The man's failure to comply with the mandatory registration of his technology led to penalties under Russia's airspace rules and safety regulations for aircraft operations.
