More than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war has increasingly extended beyond the front lines, with both sides using drones and long-range weapons to strike deep inside each other’s territory. Energy facilities, military sites and industrial infrastructure have emerged as key targets, while civilian areas have also been affected by the intensifying attacks.
At least 13 people, including a child, lost their lives after a Ukrainian drone strike hit the central Russian region of Tatarstan on Monday, in one of the deadliest attacks attributed to Kyiv since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
According to Russian authorities cited by AFP, at least 75 people were injured in the attack, while 21 were taken to hospitals for treatment. Russia’s Investigative Committee confirmed that a child was among those who lost their lives. Regional officials also said citizens of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan were among the victims.
Unverified footage circulating on social media appeared to show a large column of black smoke rising from the refinery, while other videos showed what appeared to be a major fire at the site. The authenticity of the footage and the full extent of the damage could not be independently verified.
The latest attack comes amid a broader escalation in long-range strikes by both Russia and Ukraine. The United Nations has warned that the intensification of attacks has contributed to an increase in civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed that its forces intercepted 456 Ukrainian drones overnight. Ukraine’s Air Force, in turn, said Russia launched 126 drones during an overnight attack.
The competing claims could not be independently verified. The latest exchanges highlight how the conflict has expanded beyond the front lines, with long-range drone and artillery attacks increasingly reaching cities and industrial areas far from the battlefield.
The latest incident comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war continue to face major challenges. Despite periodic discussions over a possible ceasefire and negotiations, fighting and long-range attacks have continued, with neither side showing signs of an immediate halt to military operations.
