Ukrainian drone strike kills 13 in Russia

At least 13 people, including a child, were killed after Ukrainian drones struck the Russian republic of Tatarstan, according to local officials.

At least 13 people, including a child, were killed after Ukrainian drones struck the Russian republic of Tatarstan, according to local officials.

The overnight attack targeted areas around Nizhnekamsk, located more than 1,100 kilometres from Ukraine. Authorities said another 75 people were injured in the strikes.

Ukraine’s Armed Forces said a major oil facility in the city was hit. The attack reportedly continued for several hours, with explosions, fires and thick smoke reported in the area.

Images circulating online showed large columns of smoke rising over Nizhnekamsk as emergency sirens sounded. The authenticity of all footage and details could not be independently verified.

The Uzbek consulate in Tatarstan said seven of those killed were Uzbek citizens. Russian media reported that many of the victims were staying at a hostel when the attack occurred. Russia’s Investigative Committee said civilians were present in the area where the drones struck.

Russian officials condemned the attack and warned that those responsible would face severe punishment.

Tatarstan leader Rustam Minnikhanov expressed condolences to the families of those killed. Nizhnekamsk Mayor Radmir Belayev described the loss of life as a major tragedy for the city.

Ukraine has increasingly carried out long-range drone attacks against Russian energy and industrial facilities. Kyiv says such sites contribute to Russia’s military operations by supporting its economy, logistics and weapons production.

Ukrainian officials said the facilities targeted in Nizhnekamsk are connected to Russia’s war effort. They argued that striking such infrastructure is intended to reduce Moscow’s ability to sustain its military campaign.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air-defence forces intercepted or destroyed more than 450 Ukrainian drones overnight across several regions. Authorities also reported fires at an industrial facility in the Siberian Tyumen region after several drones were reportedly brought down nearby.

The Nizhnekamsk facility had previously been targeted in a drone attack in June, highlighting the growing reach of Ukraine’s campaign against Russian energy infrastructure.

The latest strike is among the deadliest reported attacks inside Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Ukraine has intensified its use of long-range drones in recent months, frequently targeting oil refineries, warehouses and other facilities it considers strategically important. Russia has continued its own large-scale missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.

The escalation has increased concerns over civilian casualties on both sides. Last week, a combined Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv reportedly killed 21 people.