Three Dead As Ukraine Hits Russian City Deep Behind Front Line
Ukrainian drones attacked the Russian city of Izhevsk on Tuesday, July 1, resulting in three deaths and numerous injuries in one of the most significant strikes on Russian soil since the conflict started over three years ago, as reported by local authorities.
Izhevsk, situated more than 1,000 kilometers from the front lines, serves as a major center for weapons production, including facilities that manufacture combat drones and the renowned Kalashnikov rifle. Ukrainian security officials stated that the attack targeted a drone production facility to undermine Russia’s military capabilities.
“This operation disrupted the enemy’s offensive potential,” the Ukrainian source told media, emphasizing that the Izhevsk drone manufacturer was a critical part of Moscow’s military supply chain.
Unverified social media footage appeared to depict a drone flying over the city, followed by an explosion on a building’s rooftop.
Alexander Brechalov, the head of the Udmurt Republic, where Izhevsk is located, confirmed the deaths and injuries in a Telegram statement.
“Unfortunately, we have three fatalities. We extend our deepest condolences to their families,” Brechalov wrote. “I visited the victims in the hospital. At the moment, 35 people have been hospitalized, 10 of whom are in serious condition.”
He mentioned that the drones struck an industrial facility but provided no additional details about the site or the extent of the damage.
In response, Russian forces shelled the Ukrainian town of Guliaipole in the central Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukraine’s southern defense forces reported both casualties and fatalities, though specific figures were not disclosed.
The strikes occur amid stalled diplomatic efforts. Negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, held nearly a month ago, have yielded no progress, with Russia escalating its air and ground operations.
Ukraine’s military leadership has vowed to intensify its operations. In June, Kyiv’s top military commander promised to expand the “scale and depth” of attacks inside Russian territory in response to Moscow’s relentless campaign.
Meanwhile, Russia has achieved significant territorial gains. According to the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Moscow recorded its largest territorial advance since November 2023 in June. An AFP analysis also noted that Russia has increased aerial bombardments, launching thousands of drone strikes to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses and erode civilian morale.
In the east, a senior Kremlin-appointed official announced on Monday, June 30, that Russian forces had gained full control of Ukraine’s Lugansk region, highlighting the evolving battlefield dynamics.
Despite global calls for de-escalation, peace efforts remain out of reach. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly accused Moscow of deliberately obstructing negotiations.
The Kremlin insists it remains open to talks. “We are certainly grateful for the efforts being made by Washington and members of Trump’s administration to facilitate negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.
However, despite US President Donald Trump’s calls for a ceasefire, little progress has been made in convincing either side to reach a compromise.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
