Ukraine Drone Strike on Tatarstan Kills at Least 13, Russian Officials Say
The attack on Nizhnekamsk reportedly injured 75 people and struck an oil refinery more than 1,100km from Ukraine’s border.
Smoke rises over Nizhnekamsk after a reported Ukrainian drone strike in Russia’s Tatarstan region.
MOSCOW/KYIV: At least 13 people, including a child, have been killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian republic of Tatarstan, Russian officials said.
A further 75 people were injured in the overnight strike on Nizhnekamsk, according to Russian authorities. If confirmed, the attack would rank among the deadliest single strikes on Russian territory since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian government has not officially commented on the reported civilian casualties.
Ukraine’s Armed Forces confirmed that the Tanevo oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk was hit. Ukrainian defence technology company FirePoint said its FP-1 drones were used in the operation.
Strike Lasted for Hours
Local sources said the attack continued for several hours overnight and into the morning.
Unverified videos and images shared on social media appeared to show large clouds of smoke and flames rising over the city. Air raid sirens could also be heard in some footage.
The BBC has not independently verified the images or the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
Nizhnekamsk lies more than 1,100 kilometres (680 miles) from the Ukrainian border, highlighting the increasing range of Ukrainian drone operations against targets deep inside Russia.
Oil Refinery Reportedly Hit
Ukraine’s Armed Forces said the Tanevo refinery had been struck. The facility is among the industrial sites in the region linked to Russia’s energy sector.
Kyiv has increasingly targeted Russian oil refineries, energy facilities and other infrastructure that it says support Moscow’s war effort.
Ukraine previously reported striking oil-refining infrastructure in Nizhnekamsk on June 12.
The latest attack has not been fully explained by Ukrainian authorities, and it remains unclear whether the refinery was the primary target.
Russia Reports Civilian Casualties
Russian officials said both industrial and residential areas came under attack.
Russia’s Investigative Committee said civilians who were not involved in military operations were among those affected.
Tatarstan’s head, Rustam Minnikhanov, confirmed the attack and offered condolences to the families of those killed.
Nizhnekamsk Mayor Radmir Belayev described the incident as a major tragedy.
A period of mourning has been declared across Tatarstan.
The reported death toll and details of the damage remain based largely on statements from Russian authorities and have not been independently verified.
Russia Says Hundreds of Drones Intercepted
Russian authorities also said air defences intercepted more than 450 Ukrainian drones overnight.
The scale of the reported drone activity suggests a significant Ukrainian long-range operation.
Kyiv has expanded its ability to launch attacks deep inside Russian territory in recent months. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted oil facilities, warehouses and other infrastructure that they say contributes to Russia’s military campaign.
Moscow has strongly criticised such attacks and continues to launch large-scale aerial strikes against Ukrainian cities.
Civilian Toll Continues to Rise
The latest attack comes as both sides continue to carry out increasingly extensive drone and missile operations.
Last week, a combined Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv killed 21 people, according to Ukrainian authorities.
In Kharkiv, near the front line, five people were reportedly killed overnight in a Russian artillery attack.
The continuing strikes have caused growing civilian casualties on both sides, while the conflict shows few signs of easing despite repeated international efforts to push for an end to the war.
