A wave of Ukrainian drone attacks struck several key locations deep inside Russia and its occupied territories, including a major air base and a weapons facility, prompting chaotic scenes across multiple regions and forcing a temporary halt to operations at a critical missile component plant.
Russian officials confirmed that drones had attacked the Severny air base in Ivanovo, with debris reportedly falling on the outskirts of the city. Although Russian authorities withheld the exact location, local reports confirmed the impact zone was near populated areas.
In a sprawling and coordinated air campaign, Ukraine allegedly deployed 112 drones targeting several Russian oblasts and occupied Crimea. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed its air defence systems intercepted all incoming UAVs. According to its own figures, 24 drones were shot down over Moscow Oblast, 18 over Tula Oblast, 11 over Kursk Oblast, and smaller numbers in eight other regions including Bryansk, Oryol, and Ivanovo. A reported 22 drones were downed over Crimea.
Despite these claims, evidence of successful Ukrainian strikes emerged, most notably in Yelets, Lipetsk Oblast, where a drone strike set off a fire at the Energiya battery factory. This facility, which openly supplies the Russian Defence Ministry and produces components for UAVs, Iskander and Kinzhal missiles, and electronic warfare systems, was reportedly forced to suspend operations following the strike. Ukrainian officials have confirmed targeting the site, indicating it was a legitimate military objective.
Local residents in Yelets reported multiple drone hits on the Energiya factory through social media, with videos and images suggesting extensive fire damage. Lipetsk Governor Igor Artamonov acknowledged that a fire had broken out in the industrial zone. He claimed the drones had been “suppressed” in the sky but admitted debris caused a burst of light followed by emergency evacuations. Artamonov also stated that several people were injured in the attack.
Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that drones flying toward the capital had been intercepted. However, his statement did little to calm public nerves as the frequency and reach of Ukrainian drone attacks continue to grow.
Ukraine, exercising its right to self-defence under international law, continues to target Russian military infrastructure used to conduct aggressive operations.
