Ukrainian Drone Attack in Tatarstan Leaves 13 Dead and 75 Injured

The death toll from the drone attack in the Russian republic of Tatarstan has risen to 13, while another 75 people were injured, Russian authorities said. A child was reportedly among those killed.

The attack took place in the city of Nizhnekamsk, about 1,100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, and is considered one of the deadliest attacks on Russian territory since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Armed Forces said the target was an oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk. According to Ukrainian defense technology company FirePoint, FP-1 drones were used in the operation.

Local sources reported that the attack began during the night and continued for several hours, until the morning. Oil industry facilities in the city had previously been targeted on June 12.

Verified videos shared on social media show thick plumes of smoke and flames over the city, with air raid sirens audible in the background.

Moscow acknowledged that industrial facilities were among the targets of the attack, but said other areas had also been hit.

Russia’s Investigative Committee said civilians who were not involved in military operations were among those affected. The BBC has been unable to independently verify this information.

Tatarstan’s leader, Rustam Minnikhanov, confirmed the attack and offered his condolences to the victims’ families. Nizhnekamsk Mayor Radmir Belayev described the incident as a “great sorrow” for the community.