The BRICS TimesFor the first time ever, Ukrainian drones reached Russia’s Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions more than 1,700 kilometres from the front lines injuring six people and rattling residents across the Ural heartland.
Ukraine’s drones reach Russia’s Ural heartland
Early Saturday morning, Russia’s Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions came under Ukrainian drone attacks marking a dramatic first for both areas. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the strikes. These regions sit well over 1,700 kilometres from Ukrainian-controlled territory making this one of the deepest drone penetrations of the war so far.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke billowing from a high-rise apartment building in Yekaterinburg. Russia’s fourth most populous city suddenly found itself at the centre of the conflict.
Governor confirms injuries, urges silence on social media
Sverdlovsk region’s governor, Denis Pasler, confirmed the attack publicly. He stated that no one was killed but six people sustained injuries in the strike. Pasler also issued a firm warning to local residents telling them not to share any images or footage of the drones or the damage they caused.
Chelyabinsk attack reportedly stopped but explosions heard nearby
The governor of Chelyabinsk region which shares a border with Kazakhstan said authorities managed to prevent an attack on a facility inside the city. He reported no casualties and no damage. However, local residents told a different story many described hearing loud explosions coming from the direction of the Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant. That facility ranks among the largest steelmakers in all of Russia.
Russia claims it downed 127 drones overnight
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced that its forces shot down 127 drones in total across the country overnight. The scale of Saturday’s assault reflects a sharp escalation in Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign pushing deep into Russian territory well beyond previous strike zones.
