Ukraine has launched a long-range drone strike targeting Russia’s interior, in what is seen as a move that could shift the dynamics of the ongoing war. The attack focused on a critical military-industrial facility located in the city of Izhevsk, in Russia’s Udmurtia region. According to official reports, three people were killed and 35 others injured in the strike.
Ukrainian intelligence sources have confirmed that the target was the Kupol factory, known for producing Russia’s renowned Pantsir-S1 air defense systems. The facility reportedly suffered major damage and a large fire broke out after the strike, which was carried out by at least two drones operated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
Udmurtia Governor Aleksandr Brechalov stated that he had informed President Vladimir Putin directly after the incident. Without explicitly naming the factory, Brechalov emphasized the casualties and noted that emergency interventions were ongoing at the scene.
This operation stands out as one of Ukraine’s deepest incursions into Russian territory, with the strike carried out over a distance of more than 1,300 kilometers. The attack on the Kupol facility highlights Kyiv’s increasing pressure on Russia’s interior through drone warfare.
While Moscow has yet to issue an official and detailed statement regarding the incident, local sources report that airspace security measures have been tightened around Izhevsk. The Kupol plant is regarded as one of the most strategically important sites in Russia’s defense infrastructure.
