Ukraine strikes key industrial site deep inside Russia

Ukrainian drones hit an industrial zone deep in Russia, and a Russian news channel reported that the target was a major state-owned missile factory.

Eleven people were injured and three were hospitalized in an attack in Russia’s Udmurt Republic on Saturday, according to a Telegram post by local health minister Sergei Bagin.

“One of the republic’s facilities was attacked by Ukrainian-launched drones,” the head of the region, Alexander Brechalov, said in another Telegram post.

He said the strike caused injuries and damage but did not name the area or provide further details.

Astra, an unofficial Russian news channel on Telegram, said Ukrainian drones hit the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant, a major state defense enterprise.

Astra said its claim was based on analysis of images received from local residents.

There has been no comment yet from Ukrainian officials.

The Votkinsk plant, more than 1,400 km from Ukraine, produces nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles as well as Iskander ballistic missiles, which are often used in attacks against the country.

Other Russian news channels published videos and photos they said came from Votkinsk residents showing black smoke rising from an industrial area and windows of buildings exploding.

SHOT, another unofficial Russian Telegram channel that often quotes contacts in the security services, said Votkinsk residents reported hearing at least three explosions during the night, as well as the hum of drones.