**Ukrainian Drones Strike Deep into Russian Territory**
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian drones launched attacks on multiple targets across Russia and occupied Crimea overnight. According to Russian officials and local Telegram channels, the drone strikes targeted the city of Izhevsk, located over 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) from the Ukrainian border.
Residents of Izhevsk reported explosions early in the morning of July 1, while local authorities confirmed a drone strike on a facility in the city. Alexander Brechalov, head of Russia’s Udmurt Republic, said emergency services had responded to the attack and that further information would be provided as it became available.
This is not the first time Izhevsk has been targeted by Ukrainian drones. In November 2024, a drone strike damaged a factory in the city that produced air defense systems used by the Russian military. The latest attack marks a significant escalation of the conflict, with Ukrainian forces now targeting cities deep within Russian territory.
**Russian Air Defenses on High Alert**
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that its air defenses shot down 60 Ukrainian drones overnight across several regions, including 17 over occupied Crimea, 16 over the Rostov Oblast, and 11 over the Sea of Azov. While the exact number of drones destroyed is unclear, it is evident that Russian air defenses are on high alert.
In occupied Crimea, local residents reported explosions between 0:20 a.m. and 0:50 a.m. in the cities of Kerch and Feodosia. A monitoring group cited NASA satellite data showing a large fire in the area overnight, though there was no official confirmation of any damage to Russian air defense assets.
**Ukrainian Forces Continue to Advance**
Despite the escalation of drone attacks on Russian territory, Ukrainian forces continue to advance on the ground. In recent days, Ukrainian troops have liberated several villages near the front line, including Andriivka and Oleksiivka.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine shows no signs of abating, with both sides trading blows in a series of escalations. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Ukraine are fighting for their freedom and their right to self-determination.
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