At least 13 people have been killed and 39 others injured following a Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s Tatarstan region, according to Russian officials.
The casualties included one child, making the overnight attack one of the deadliest single strikes on Russian territory since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The attack reportedly targeted Nizhnekamsk, a city located more than 1,100 kilometres (680 miles) from the Ukrainian border and home to major oil refineries and petrochemical facilities.
The strike lasted for several hours overnight and into the morning, according to local reports.
Unverified videos and images circulating on social media showed thick smoke and flames rising over the city during daylight hours, with air raid sirens reportedly sounding in the background. The BBC said it had not independently verified the footage.
Although Russian authorities had yet to provide specific details about the main target, Moscow said both industrial facilities and residential areas were affected.
Russia’s Investigative Committee said civilians were present in the area during the attack.
“Civilian individuals who were not involved in any military operations were present,” Russia’s Investigative Committee said.
Ukraine has not publicly commented on the strike.
Kyiv has, however, intensified its long-range attacks against Russian facilities that it says contribute financially or logistically to Moscow’s war effort, particularly energy and industrial infrastructure.
The head of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, confirmed the attack and expressed condolences to the families of those killed.
Nizhnekamsk Mayor Radmir Belayev also described the incident as a major tragedy.
“This is a tremendous pain for all of us,” said Nizhnekamsk mayor Radmir Belayev.
Authorities subsequently declared a period of mourning across Tatarstan.
Russia Says Hundreds Of Drones Intercepted
The Russian government said its air-defence systems intercepted more than 450 Ukrainian drones overnight during the widespread attacks.
The reported strike highlights Kyiv’s growing ability to conduct long-range attacks deep inside Russian territory, with Ukrainian forces increasingly targeting warehouses, energy installations and other infrastructure connected to Russia’s war effort.
At the same time, Russia continues to launch large-scale drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities and residential areas.
Last week, a combined Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv killed 21 people, while five others were reportedly killed overnight in a Russian artillery strike on Kharkiv, a city close to the front line.
The latest developments underscore the continued escalation of long-range attacks by both sides, with civilians increasingly caught in the crossfire.
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