Ukraine has launched one of its deepest drone strikes into Russian territory since the war began, targeting the industrial city of Izhevsk, over 1,000 kilometres from the front line, in a pre-dawn attack that killed three people and injured dozens.
A source within Ukraine’s security services confirmed that the strike was aimed at a drone manufacturing facility in Izhevsk, believed to be key to Russia’s offensive operations. The source said the strike had “disrupted Moscow’s offensive potential.”
Izhevsk, the capital of the Udmurt Republic, is home to several arms factories, including the famed Kalashnikov Concern, which produces rifles and military-grade drones used by Russian forces.
“Unfortunately, we have three fatalities. We extend our deepest condolences to their families,” said Udmurt Republic Governor Alexander Brechalov, who also reported that 35 people were hospitalised, including 10 in serious condition.
While official details of the target remain scarce, videos circulating on social media showed a drone flying low over the city and a large fireball erupting from what appeared to be the roof of a building.
Kyiv Ramps Up Long-Range Counterattacks
The latest strike comes as part of Ukraine’s declared strategy to increase the “scale and depth” of attacks inside Russia, a policy unveiled last month by the country’s top military leadership in response to relentless Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Russia has recently intensified its own aerial campaign, with an AFP analysis revealing that June marked a surge in drone and missile attacks aimed at overwhelming Ukraine’s already stretched air defence systems. Moscow also achieved its biggest territorial gain since November 2023, according to the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War.
In a tit-for-tat move, Russian forces on Tuesday bombarded the Ukrainian town of Guliaipole in Dnipropetrovsk region, reportedly causing both casualties and fatalities, though official numbers have not been disclosed.
Stalled Peace Talks and International Involvement
Diplomatic efforts to end the war appear to have stagnated. While there were direct talks nearly a month ago, tensions have since escalated, and Moscow has stepped up offensive operations, particularly in eastern and southern Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has blamed Russia for prolonging the war, accusing Moscow of resisting genuine peace efforts.
The Kremlin, however, maintains that negotiations remain on the table. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday thanked Washington and former President Donald Trump’s administration for their role in trying to facilitate a ceasefire.
“We are certainly grateful for the efforts being made by Washington and members of Trump’s administration to facilitate negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement,” Peskov said.
Despite diplomatic overtures, no major breakthroughs have been made.
Meanwhile, a Kremlin-backed official in occupied eastern Ukraine claimed on Monday that Russian forces had taken full control of the Lugansk region, further indicating Moscow’s renewed push to solidify its hold over Ukrainian territory.
As both sides escalate their strategies — militarily and diplomatically — the conflict, now entering its fourth year, shows little sign of resolution.
