A Ukrainian drone struck an anti-aircraft missile plant 800 miles deep into Russia on Tuesday — as Kyiv ramps up and prioritizes its UAV production to match Moscow’s bombardments.
At least three people were killed and another 35 injured overnight when the Ukrainian drone hit the Kupol Electromechanical Plant in Izhevsk, where Moscow produces air defense systems and drones, according to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said drone warfare is the key element in his nation’s battle against Russia, with Kyiv focused on mass producing more UAVs to counter the record airstrikes coming from Moscow.
“The priority is drones, interceptor drones and long-range strike drones,” Zelensky said on Telegram. “This is extremely important.”
“Russia is investing in its unmanned capabilities,” he said. “Russia is planning to increase the number of drones used in strikes against our state. We are preparing our countermeasures.”
The move comes after Moscow launched 5,438 drone attacks against Ukraine in June, a new monthly record in the war that has spanned more than three years.
The escalating Russian bombardments have claimed dozens of civilian lives, as well as laid waste to residential areas, hospitals and energy infrastructure across Ukraine, leading to condemnation from the US.
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, President Trump’s envoy to Ukraine and Russia, slammed Russia’s attacks on civilian areas Monday and accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dragging his feet on a peace deal.
“We urge an immediate ceasefire and a move to trilateral talks to end the war,” Kellogg wrote on X. “Russia cannot continue to stall for time while it bombs civilian targets in Ukraine.”
Along with the Ukrainian strike at the Izhevsk plant, Russia’s Defense Ministry said 60 other Ukrainian drones were fired over the border and intercepted in the Crimea, Rostov and Saratov regions.
Meanwhile, Russia fired four weaponized Iranian-made Shahed drones at the southern Ukraine city of Zaporizhzia overnight, leaving more than 1,600 households without power, according to local authorities.
The attack was followed by another 52 Shahed and decoy drones that were fired over the border Tuesday, Ukrainian air force officials said.
With Post wires
