Ukraine Strikes Deep Inside Russia, Inflicting Casualties and Hitting Military Plant

Three people were killed and 45 others injured in a Ukraine attack on a factory in Izhevsk, Russia, authorities say. The city is over 1,000 km (620 miles) from Ukraine's border. Udmurtia’s governor, Aleksandr Brechalov, reported that six of the injured have serious wounds. He also briefed President Vladimir Putin and later declared a state of emergency.

Military Plant Targeted Drones

The attack involved drones targeting the Kupol Electromechanical Plant, a military factory believed to produce Tor surface-to-air missile systems and radar stations. Ukrainian media says the plant also manufactures Osa air defense systems and has developed drones.

A Ukrainian official confirmed to BBC Ukraine that two long-range drones, operated by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), struck the plant from about 1,300 km (807 miles) away. The official said, “Such operations weaken the enemy's ability to fight and disrupt their military supply chains. It shows that even deep inside Russia, there are no safe zones for military targets.”

Visual Evidence and Airport Impact

A video verified by the BBC shows an explosion on the roof of a building, followed by black smoke rising over a chimney at the plant. Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, briefly restricted flights at Izhevsk airport, then lifted the rules a few hours later.

This marks the second Ukrainian drone attack on the Kupol factory since November. The earlier strike caused no casualties. Meanwhile, Russia continues attacks on Ukraine, launching a record 537 drones and missiles last weekend, hitting Kyiv and the city of Lviv.

Ukrainian Pilot Honoured Posthumously 

On Monday, Ukrainian President Zelensky posthumously awarded the Hero of Ukraine medal to Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, an F-16 pilot killed trying to stop a drone attack.

In a new development on Tuesday, Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron held their first phone talk in more than two years. Macron expressed strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. He also called for a ceasefire and negotiations between Ukraine and Russia for a lasting peace.

Kremlin's Stance on Conflict Resolution 

A Kremlin statement quoted Putin saying the Ukraine conflict is caused by Western policies that ignored Russia’s security concerns for years. Russian officials say any peace deal must be complete and fix the root causes of the war. They stress that new borders should reflect recent territorial changes.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. It now controls about 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea, which they annexed in 2014.

On the battlefield, Russia’s advances in the Sumy region have slowed. However, they seem to focus on the eastern Dnipropetrovsk area. Some reports suggest Moscow's forces have taken control of the first village there.

Since May, several talks aimed at a ceasefire have taken place at the urging of former U.S. President Donald Trump. These talks have not led to any real progress. Last week, Putin said Russia is ready to negotiate. Still, he added that Russian and Ukrainian peace plans are opposite.

Zelensky Skeptical of Putin's Intentions 

Zelensky voiced doubts about Putin’s true intentions. He said, “Putin has wasted half a year on diplomacy while the war drags on.” Zelensky added that Russia shows no signs of seeking peace. Instead, they are preparing new attacks, possibly extending into European countries.

U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg warned on X that Russia cannot keep stalling while bombing civilians in Ukraine. Russia quickly responded, saying it isn’t delaying and thanking the U.S. for support.