A factory deep inside Russia accused of assembling Iranian attack drones against Ukraine came under attack early Tuesday, injuring at least 12 people, local officials said.
Russia's third-largest oil refinery was also hit in the brazen, early-morning attack in Tatarstan, at least 800 miles from the frontline in Ukraine, the deepest of any attack in Russia since the war began.
Although Kiev has not officially taken credit, an unnamed source in Ukraine's military was cited Ukraine Pravda AFP reported that the attack was carried out by military intelligence using drones resembling light aircraft. Footage of the alleged attack in Yelabuga, Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, captured the panic of what could, if confirmed, be one of Ukraine's most far-reaching drone strikes. In it, a small plane can be seen glancing towards a building, onlookers scream in horror, and moments later the building is hit and crashes to the ground as it bursts into flames.
Officials in Tatarstan said the building was a dormitory for students and local workers, adding that two of the injured in Tuesday's attack were 17-year-olds. However, Ukrainian intelligence had a source Quoted Ukrainian media reported that the facility was located at a factory that assembles Iranian-made Shahed drones.
An unnamed Ukrainian intelligence source said Reuters Tatneft's Taneco refinery was also hit by the attack as part of an effort to cut the ropes on Russia's oil revenues. Russian officials downplayed the drone strike, however, saying production at the Taneco refinery remained uninterrupted.
Rustam Minnikhanov, Tatarstan's president, said in a statement on Telegram that “no major damage” was done to the facility in Yelabuga.
“It is now very important to remain calm and not give in to the panic that the perpetrators of this crime are deliberately trying to sow,” Minnikhanov wrote.
