Attack hits Nizhnekamsk oil facility as Kyiv intensifies long-range strikes against Russian energy and industrial infrastructure
MOSCOW: A Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s republic of Tatarstan killed at least 13 people, including a child, and injured 75 others, Russian officials said, marking one of the deadliest attacks inside Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale war against Ukraine.
The drones struck Nizhnekamsk, located more than 1,100 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, during an overnight operation that continued into the morning.
Ukraine’s Armed Forces confirmed that drones targeted the Tanevo oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk. Ukrainian defence technology company FirePoint said its FP-1 long-range drones participated in the operation.
Verified social media images showed flames and thick smoke rising from the area as air raid sirens sounded.
Kyiv Says Facilities Support Russian War Effort
Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian energy, industrial and logistical facilities that Kyiv says finance or support Moscow’s military operations.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Centre for Countering Disinformation, said Ukrainian forces target facilities used to manufacture weapons, conduct attacks and sustain Russia’s war effort.
However, Moscow said drones also struck residential areas. Russia’s Investigative Committee said civilians who had no involvement in military operations were present during the attack.
Tatarstan leader Rustam Minnikhanov expressed condolences to victims’ families, while Nizhnekamsk Mayor Radmir Belayev described the deaths as a major tragedy. Authorities subsequently declared a period of mourning.
Long-Range Drone Attacks Intensify
Meanwhile, Russia claimed its air defences intercepted more than 450 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Ukraine has increasingly demonstrated its ability to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, particularly oil facilities, warehouses and other infrastructure.
However, civilian casualties have also increased as both countries continue large-scale attacks.
Russia, meanwhile, continues aerial strikes across Ukraine. A recent combined missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed 21 people, while Russian artillery fire in Kharkiv killed five people overnight.
