Ukrainian drones struck the Russian republic of Tatarstan, killing at least 13 people—including one child—and injuring 75, Russian officials said. The attack ranks among the most severe single strikes on Russia since the full-scale conflict began.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed the Tanevo oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk was hit. FirePoint, a Ukrainian defense technology company, said its FP-1 drones were deployed in the operation.
Moscow confirmed industrial facilities and residential areas were struck. Russia's Investigative Committee said civilians with no role in military operations were among those present. Radmir Belayev, the mayor of Nizhnekamsk, described the attack as "tremendous pain."
Nizhnekamsk lies more than 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) from the Ukrainian border. The strike lasted several hours overnight and into the morning, according to local sources. Verified social media footage showed heavy smoke and flames during daylight hours.
Kyiv has intensified long-range drone operations against Russian infrastructure, targeting facilities it says generate revenue and logistics for Moscow's war effort. Ukrainian forces previously struck oil refineries in Nizhnekamsk on June 12.
Russian air defenses said they shot down more than 450 Ukrainian drones overnight, as Kyiv has demonstrated growing capability to strike deep within Russian territory.
Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted energy infrastructure and warehouses inside Russia, strikes that have produced a growing number of civilian casualties on Russian soil.
Russia continues to launch large-scale aerial assaults against Ukrainian cities and residential areas. Last week, a combined drone and missile strike on Kyiv killed 21 people.
Near the front line, Russian artillery killed five people overnight in Kharkiv. Both sides have sustained civilian losses as the conflict enters its fifth year.
Rustam Minnikhanov, head of Tatarstan, confirmed the strike and extended condolences to the families of the dead. A period of mourning has been declared across the republic.
