- Russia claims it intercepted 49 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions overnight.
- A Ukrainian drone allegedly struck Russia’s only fiber optic plant in Saransk, Mordovia.
- Russia launched a deadly missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, killing 18 civilians including 9 children.
A major Ukrainian drone operation struck multiple Russian regions overnight. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted 49 UAVs. Among the regions hit was Mordovia, where reports suggest the country’s only fiber optic plant in Saransk caught fire following a strike.
On the same night, Russia launched a brutal missile barrage on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, President Zelensky’s hometown. The assault claimed 18 lives, including nine children, and injured over 50 others.
Deadly Exchange: Ukraine Strikes Russian Industry as Moscow Hits Zelensky’s Hometown
The drone strike on Saransk marks one of Ukraine’s deepest incursions into Russian territory to date. This highlights advancements in UAV technology and range. The fiber optic facility targeted is crucial to Russia’s drone production and military communication systems. Therefore, it was a deliberate and impactful strike.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed success in neutralizing the majority of drones. However, damage reports from regions like Samara and Mordovia suggest otherwise. Fires were reported at multiple industrial sites. While officials claimed there were no casualties, the extent of infrastructure damage is still unclear.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the civilian death toll from Russian attacks continues to rise. The missile strike on Kryvyi Rih devastated residential buildings and left dozens wounded, including infants and children. Emergency crews worked through the night, and the regional governor confirmed over 30 people remain hospitalized.
President Zelensky used the attack to reiterate his stance that Russia is not interested in peace. He appealed to the global community for increased support. U.S. officials warned that time is running out for diplomatic solutions. As such, tensions remain high as both nations escalate offensives on strategic and symbolic targets.
This escalation underscores a brutal truth. Both sides are digging in for a prolonged conflict. The strategy now extends far beyond frontlines into the industrial and psychological domains of war.
“Each missile, every attack drone proves that Russia seeks only war.” — Volodymyr Zelensky
