The strike seemed to be one of the largest recent offensives in Ukraine’s efforts to weaken Russia’s war infrastructure on its own soil.
Ukraine launched “massive” drone strikes across several regions of Russia overnight, according to local officials on Tuesday. The attack appears to be one of the largest in Ukraine’s ongoing campaign to weaken Russia’s war machine on its home soil.
The strikes, primarily in southwestern Russia, were the latest in a series that highlight Ukraine’s ability to target deep inside Russia, despite challenges on its own territory. Explosions were reported in the Bryansk border region, while drones also targeted areas farther away, including Saratov and Tula in western Russia, local officials confirmed.
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that over 140 drones were launched by Ukraine, along with U.S.-made ATACMS missiles and Storm Shadow missiles supplied by the UK. The ministry warned that Ukraine’s actions, supported by Western nations, would not go unanswered.
The Ukrainian military’s General Staff said it had struck three Russian regions and Tatarstan, with targets including an oil storage base and military production facilities. The drone strikes prompted at least six cities to restrict their airspace, including Saratov and Engels, which were hit overnight.
In Saratov, Governor Roman Busargin reported damage to two industrial plants. He confirmed that air defenses had intercepted many of the drones. This was the second attack on Engels in a week, where a Russian airfield housing long-range bombers was struck. Following the strikes, schools in Saratov and Engels were closed, and classes were held remotely.
In the Tula region, Governor Dmitry Milyaev reported that air defenses shot down 16 drones, with debris damaging cars and buildings. Fortunately, there were no casualties. In Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, a fire ignited at a liquefied natural gas facility after being struck by a drone, though the fire was quickly extinguished, and there were no significant damages or casualties.
In Bryansk, a border region frequently targeted, powerful explosions were reported. Local media suggested a chemical plant may have been struck, though this has not been independently confirmed. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have downed 31 drones and intercepted six ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles aimed at Bryansk.
Kyiv’s drone strikes have been intended to reduce Russia’s ability to attack Ukrainian cities, but in recent weeks, they have also served to project strength ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, amid concerns that he might scale back U.S. support for Ukraine. European leaders, however, have reassured Ukraine of their continued support.
On Tuesday, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky to show solidarity. The two discussed military aid, strengthening air defenses, and ammunition supplies.
Meanwhile, the Russian military was carrying out airstrikes on Ukraine, which prompted widespread air-raid alerts. Ukraine’s Air Force reported shooting down 60 out of nearly 80 drones, with damage to buildings and vehicles in various regions. However, no casualties were reported.
