At least 13 people, including a child, have been killed after Ukrainian drones struck the Russian republic of Tatarstan, according to local officials. A further 75 people were injured in the attack, which targeted the city of Nizhnekamsk more than 1,100km from Ukraine’s border.
Ukrainian Armed Forces officials said the Tanevo oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk was among the facilities hit during the overnight attack. The strike is being described as one of the deadliest single attacks on Russian territory since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Nizhnekamsk Attack Causes Heavy Casualties
The drone assault continued for several hours overnight and into the morning, according to local reports. Images verified from social media showed large clouds of smoke and flames rising above the city while air-raid sirens sounded.
The Uzbek consulate in Tatarstan said seven of those killed were Uzbek citizens. Russian state media reported that many of the victims were staying in a hostel when the drones struck.
Russia’s Investigative Committee said civilians were present at the location and described them as people who were not participating in military operations. The information has not been independently verified.
Russian authorities said those responsible for the attacks would face what Moscow described as severe punishment.
Oil Refinery Targeted in Tatarstan
The oil facilities in Nizhnekamsk had previously come under attack on 12 June. Ukrainian officials have increasingly acknowledged long-range strikes against Russian infrastructure that they say supports Moscow’s military campaign.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Centre for Countering Disinformation, said facilities targeted by Kyiv are used to support Russian military operations, produce weapons and generate revenue for the war effort.
Tatarstan’s head, Rustam Minnikhanov, confirmed the attack and offered condolences to the families of those killed. Nizhnekamsk Mayor Radmir Belayev described the deaths as a devastating loss for the community.
Kovalenko also blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for civilian deaths, arguing that the war would not have happened without the decisions made by the Kremlin.
Russia Reports Hundreds of Drones Intercepted
Moscow said Russian air-defence systems destroyed or intercepted more than 450 Ukrainian drones overnight across several parts of the country.
In the Tyumen region of Siberia, local authorities also reported fires at an industrial facility after several drones fell in the area.
Ukraine has intensified its campaign of long-range attacks against Russian military-related facilities, warehouses and energy infrastructure. Kyiv says such targets contribute directly to Russia’s ability to continue the war.
Russia has continued its own large-scale aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities and residential areas. A combined missile and drone assault on Kyiv the previous week killed 21 people, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The latest escalation highlights the growing reach of long-range drone warfare more than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.