1200 km behind the front line

Ukraine attacks drone factory deep inside Russia

Footage shows people throwing themselves to the ground in the face of the explosions.

(Bild: OSINT)

Ukraine has attacked a Russian drone factory far behind the front line. According to Russian reports, two drones exploded on Tuesday in the city of Yelabuga in the Republic of Tatarstan. They had caused "considerable damage", according to the Ukrainian side. Videos on the internet showed violent detonations.

Footage circulating online shows people throwing themselves to the ground in the face of the explosions. Local authorities explained that the drones hit close to a student dormitory. According to Ukrainian sources, Iranian-made Shahed combat drones are produced in a special economic zone in Yelabuga. The students of a technical college work in this factory.

Refinery hit by drone
The oil refinery in the nearby town of Nizhnekamsk - almost 1,300 kilometers behind the front line - was also the target of a Ukrainian drone attack. One of Russia's largest refineries was attacked, according to reports from Ukraine. Russia confirmed the attack. According to the emergency services, at least seven people were injured.

However, there was no serious damage and the companies' "technological process" was not disrupted, said Rustam Minnikhanov, head of the Republic of Tatarstan, on his Telegram channel.

In Nizhnekamsk there are large oil processing plants belonging to the regional oil company Tatneft. Video images of the attack on the refinery analyzed by Reuters indicate that part of the Taneco refinery, which belongs to Tatneft, was hit. It is one of the largest in the country and can produce 340,000 barrels of fuel a day. The part that was hit is responsible for around half of production.

Explosion at the refinery in Nizhnekamsk, almost 1300 kilometers from the front in Ukraine

(Bild: OSINT)

Ruble plummets after attack
In its defense against the Russian war of aggression, Ukraine has been systematically attacking Russian oil refineries with long-range combat drones for several weeks. The Republic of Tatarstan is highly industrialized and is located around 1000 kilometers south-east of Moscow. It is unusual for Ukraine to attack and hit targets at such a great distance. This also had an impact on Russia's currency: The rouble weakened against the dollar after news of the attack.

According to Ukraine, Russia again attacked the country's energy infrastructure during the night. The drone attacks targeted the Dnipropetrovsk and Kirovohrad regions, according to the Ukrainian Southern Military Command. There was one strike in Kirovohrad. No details were initially released. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian General Staff stated that nine out of ten Russian drone attacks were repelled during the night.