Ukraine launched a significant offensive against multiple targets deep within Russia on Tuesday, marking what officials described as the country’s “most massive” attack of the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that ammunition depots and chemical plants were struck across various regions, some situated hundreds of kilometers from the Ukrainian border, as confirmed by the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Intelligence sources claimed the overnight operation dealt a “painful blow” to Russia’s military capabilities. In response, Russian authorities asserted that they successfully intercepted US-supplied missiles during the attack and vowed to retaliate.
At least nine airports in central and western Russia temporarily suspended operations due to the strikes, which also resulted in school closures in the southwestern Saratov region. Explosions were reported at a refinery and multiple military installations in the Bryansk region, with Ukraine asserting that targets up to 1,100 kilometers (approximately 700 miles) from the border were hit.
In Saratov, a “massive” drone assault reportedly damaged two industrial facilities, prompting the local government to manage school operations remotely. This follows a prior attack on an oil storage facility in Engels, which led to a state of emergency declaration days earlier.
Additionally, the western region of Tula reported an attack where Russian air defense systems claimed to have downed 16 drones. While no injuries were reported, debris from the interception damaged vehicles and buildings in the vicinity.
In another development, a gas storage facility near Kazan was attacked, with local reports confirming the strike but not indicating any casualties. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported that Russian forces launched numerous drones targeting Ukraine, resulting in multiple air raid alerts throughout Kyiv, though Ukraine claimed to have intercepted nearly all the threats.
As tensions rise, a spokesperson from Ukraine’s General Staff declined to comment on Russian claims of having downed Western-made missiles during the night. Amid ongoing military pressures, President Zelensky expressed skepticism about reducing the conscription age from 25 to 18, emphasizing the urgent need for sufficient weaponry for the troops already engaged on the front lines.
Kyiv has faced increasing pressure to bolster its military capabilities, with discussions surrounding troop shortages and support from international allies becoming more critical. Ukrainian authorities assert that delays in receiving promised military equipment hinder their efforts to sustain the defense against ongoing Russian advances.
