Three dead as Ukraine hits Russian city deep behind front line

Ukrainian drones struck the Russian city of Izhevsk on Tuesday, July 1, killing three people and injuring dozens in one of the deepest attacks on Russian territory since the war began more than three years ago, according to regional authorities. Izhevsk, located over 1,000 kilometres from the front lines, is a significant hub for arms manufacturing, including facilities that produce combat drones and the iconic Kalashnikov rifle. Ukrainian security sources said the strike targeted a drone production site and aimed to weaken Russias offensive capability. This operation disrupted the enemys offensive potential, the Ukrainian source told media, adding that the drone manufacturer in Izhevsk was a key component of Moscows military supply chain. Footage circulating on social media, yet to be independently verified, appeared to show a drone flying over the city and an explosion on the rooftop of a building. Alexander Brechalov, head of the Udmurt Republic where Izhevsk is located, confirmed the fatalities and injuries in a statement on Telegram. 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 noted that the drones hit an industrial enterprise but did not provide further details about the facility or the nature of the damage. In a retaliatory move, Russian forces bombarded the Ukrainian town of Guliaipole in the central Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukraines southern defence forces reported both casualties and fatalities but did not disclose specific numbers. The attacks come amid stalled diplomatic negotiations. Talks between Kyiv and Moscow nearly a month ago have failed to produce results, and Russia has intensified its aerial and ground campaigns. Ukraines military leadership has pledged to escalate its own operations. In June, Kyivs top military commander vowed to increase the scale and depth of strikes within Russian territory in response to Moscows relentless offensive. Meanwhile, Russia has made notable gains. According to data from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Moscow achieved its largest territorial advance since November 2023 in June. An AFP analysis also indicated that Russia has stepped up aerial bombardments, launching thousands of drone strikes in an apparent effort to overwhelm Ukraines air defences and wear down civilian morale. In the east, a senior Kremlin-appointed official claimed Monday, June 30, that Russian forces had taken full control of Ukraines Lugansk region, a claim that underscores the shifting dynamics on the battlefield. Despite international calls for de-escalation, peace efforts remain elusive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly accused Moscow of intentionally stalling negotiations. The Kremlin maintains it is open to dialogue. We are certainly grateful for the efforts being made by Washington and members of Trumps administration to facilitate negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday. However, despite US President Donald Trumps calls for a ceasefire, there has been little progress in persuading either side to compromise.The post Three dead as Ukraine hits Russian city deep behind front line appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.