In a notable escalation of tensions, three individuals were killed and 35 injured in a Ukrainian drone strike on the Kupol Electromechanical Plant in Izhevsk, Russia. The strike, confirmed by Ukrainian officials, targeted a facility crucial to military production.
Ukrainian Drone Strike Claims Lives in Izhevsk Factory Attack
Ukrainian Drone Strike Claims Lives in Izhevsk Factory Attack
A drone attack on a military factory in central Russia has resulted in casualties, highlighting the ongoing conflict's escalation.
Three individuals have lost their lives and 35 others were hospitalized following a drone attack by Ukraine on the Kupol Electromechanical Plant in Izhevsk, a city located over 1,000km (620 miles) from the Ukrainian border, as per Russian authorities. Governor of Udmurtia, Aleksandr Bechalov, indicated that ten of the injured sustained severe wounds and reported the situation to President Vladimir Putin.
The Ukrainian drones targeted the military facility, known for developing Tor surface-to-air missile systems and radar stations, among other military technologies. An official from Ukraine confirmed that the SBU-operated drones struck the factory from approximately 1,300 km (807 miles) away, asserting that such operations diminish the adversary's military capabilities and disrupt production networks.
Footage verified by the BBC showcased the aftermath of the attack, displaying an explosion atop a factory building with substantial smoke billowing into the sky. In response, Russia's civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, initially restricted operations at the Izhevsk airport, though the restrictions were lifted later.
This marks the second strike on the Kupol factory by Ukrainian forces since last November, which had not resulted in fatalities. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to launch substantial attacks within Ukraine, with a recent report indicating a record 537 drone and missile strikes on various Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Lviv.
On another note, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky posthumously awarded the Hero of Ukraine honor to Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, who perished defending against previous aerial assaults. Despite ongoing discussions for a ceasefire facilitated by US President Donald Trump since May, no significant progress has emerged.
As battles persist with Russia seemingly targeting the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, Zelensky remains skeptical of Moscow's intentions, emphasizing that the Kremlin is not shifting away from its aggressive strategies, anticipating further military actions in Europe. In a response, the US's senior envoy criticized Russia for not engaging in diplomatic resolutions while continuing to assault Ukrainian civilians. Moscow has countered these claims, asserting its lack of interest in stalling negotiations.
