Drone Attacks Rattle Russia on its Victory Day
Russian arms factories under siege: Ukraine uses drones in attacks
The Ukraine has shaken things up with a string of drone strikes on critical Defense Industry targets within Russia. The attacks, happening just before the Victory Day festivities, brought chaos and disruption to affected areas.
Sirens wailing over Saransk, Fires in Tula
In the quiet town of Saransk, home to Mordovia's capital, drone attacks sent ripples of panic and confusion. Schools, universities, and even the local kindergartens closed their doors for the day as fires raged through the town. The independent internet portal Astra reported the hit on a fiber optic plant and a machine-building factory, both vital for military production [1][5].
The town of Tula wasn't immune to the chaos. Reports suggest that a Joint Stock Company Instrument Design Bureau, responsible for producing anti-tank missiles and other weapon systems, was targeted in the attack. Furthermore, the Splav Research and Production Association, which creates multiple launch rocket systems like the Grad, Uragan, and Smerch, also fell prey to the drones' wrath. The potential disruption of these facilities could have significant implications for Russia [1][4].
Airbases under attack
The strategic airbases at Kubinka in the Moscow region and Shaikovka in Kaluga were also hit. The Kubinka airbase, home to Su-27 and MiG-29 fighter jets, saw fires ignite in areas where An-30 and Su-27 aircraft were stationed [3][5]. In Shaikovka, Tu-22M3 bombers and Kh-22 missile stockpiles suffered the brunt [3].
Russian response
Russia has reacted tersely to the attacks, accusing Ukraine of undermining peace efforts ahead of Victory Day celebrations. With a seemingly menacing tone, they have threatened to use Oreshnik ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv. However, it's important to note that these threats are concerning given the escalating tensions between the two countries [4].
To counterattack, Russia launched four ballistic missiles and 142 drones against Ukrainian cities, resulting in casualties and damage [4].
Political Implications
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's upcoming foreign trip includes a visit to Ukraine in the next few weeks, signalling closer ties between Germany and Ukraine [2].
The drone attacks have underscored Ukraine's ability to strike deep into Russian territory and potentially disrupt its military production and logistics. The world watches with bated breath as geopolitics play out on the global stage.
[1] ntv.de[2] Financial Times[3] lme[4] AFP[5] Reuters
- Ukraine
- Drones
- Russia
- Wars and Conflicts
- Politics
- The Ukraine's employment of drones in a series of attacks on critical Defense Industry targets within Russia has sparked a community policy discussion regarding the use of such tactics in war-and-conflicts.
- Amidst the chaos in Saransk, reports of the drone attacks on a fiber optic plant and a machine-building factory, both vital for military production, have been confirmed by the independent internet portal Astra.
- In addition to school and university closures, the polynomial employment policy in communication channels like WhatsApp has been instrumental in disseminating updates and alerts about the drone attacks in Saransk and other affected areas.
- As a response to the drone attacks, the politics surrounding the growing tensions between Ukraine and Russia have gained significant attention in general news, crime-and-justice, and employment policy debates.
- The confirmed drone attacks in Russia have raised concerns about the potential for accidents related to military facilities, as well as the implications for employment and stability in communities adjacent to these affected areas.
