Three people have died, and 35 others have been hospitalized due to a drone attack executed by Ukraine on a military factory located in Izhevsk, Russia, over 1,000 kilometers (approximately 620 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Russian officials reported that ten of the injured sustained serious wounds, prompting Udmurtia's governor, Aleksandr Bechalov, to inform President Vladimir Putin about the incident.
The Kupol Electromechanical Plant, known for its production of military equipment such as Tor surface-to-air missile systems and radar technologies, was targeted in this strike. Ukrainian sources have confirmed that the assault involved two long-range drones operated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), which struck the facility from a distance of around 1,300 kilometers (about 807 miles). Ukrainian officials asserted that operations like this are aimed at diminishing Russia's military capabilities and demonstrate that such facilities, even deep within Russian territory, are vulnerable.
Footage circulating on social media and authenticated by the BBC captured the explosion on the factory roof, accompanied by a significant column of black smoke billowing from the building. As a precautionary measure, Russia's civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, temporarily restricted operations at Izhevsk airport but rescinded the limitations hours later.
This incident marks the second drone attack on the Kupol plant since November; however, the previous assault resulted in no casualties. Meanwhile, Russia has been intensifying its drone strikes across Ukraine, launching a record 537 drones and missiles on various cities over the weekend.
Amid the ongoing exchange of military operations, a meeting between officials from Kyiv and Moscow seeking a ceasefire has failed to yield meaningful diplomatic progress. President Putin stated that new negotiations could occur, although he criticized the contrasting terms proposed by both sides. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed doubt regarding Russia's commitment to a peaceful resolution, arguing that Moscow remains entrenched in its military objectives and is preparing for further offensives. Meanwhile, U.S. officials echoed Zelensky’s concerns about Russia's intentions and the continued attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
The clash between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, raising alarms about the conflict's trajectory and its broader implications.
