In a significant escalation, Ukraine reportedly launched over 100 drones targeting various regions in Russia overnight. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that four individuals sustained injuries during an apparent strike on a major explosives factory in Moscow’s vicinity, located hundreds of miles from the conflict’s front lines.
The Kremlin announced early Sunday that its air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed 110 drones, including 43 over the Kursk region and eight in Nizhny Novgorod, with at least one drone neutralized near the capital itself.
Additionally, attacks were reported in the Lipetsk, Oryol, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions as part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts.
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The Governor of Nizhny Novgorod, Gleb Nikitin, stated that their air defenses and electronic warfare systems managed to mitigate a drone attack in the Dzerzhinsk industrial zone, but he refrained from disclosing the specific target.
Unofficial reports from various Russian Telegram channels suggested that the Ukrainian attack was aimed at the Sverdlov explosives factory located in Dzerzhinsk, which is under sanctions from the U.S. and EU.
For over two years, Ukraine has systematically targeted crucial Russian military installations and ammunition depots as part of its efforts to defend against Moscow’s aggression following the invasion.
While Ukraine lacks the capability to utilize Western-supplied long-range weapons for strikes within Russia, it has effectively deployed long-range drones to hit enemy targets.
Nikitin provided updates on the casualties, stating that four fire department employees at the industrial site suffered minor shrapnel injuries, receiving prompt medical attention. Emergency services were reportedly on-site managing the aftermath of fallen debris.
According to the Russian SHOT Telegram channel, locals reported hearing the initial “loud bangs” around 3:30 a.m., with nearly 10 explosions recorded, alongside gunfire and visible smoke near the factory.