**Ukrainian Drones Strike Deep Within Russia, Zelensky Signs Agreement for Special Tribunal**
In a significant escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian drones struck a major Russian military plant in the city of Izhevsk, over 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) from Ukrainian-held territory. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed responsibility for the attack, which targeted production and storage facilities at the Kupol plant.
According to a source within the SBU, the agency’s long-range drones “hit with surgical precision” the facility, starting a fire and causing casualties. The plant produces Tor and Osa air defense systems, as well as Harpy attack drones for the Russian military, and is under international sanctions as part of Russia’s defense-industrial complex.
The attack marks one of the deepest strikes by Ukrainian forces within Russia since the start of the war in 2022. It comes as Ukraine continues to push back against Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast.
**Russian Missile Strike Kills Brigade Commander and Injures Dozens**
In a separate development, a Russian missile strike on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast killed a brigade commander and injured 30 people, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The attack occurred on July 1, with multiple reports of explosions and fires in the region.
Zelensky condemned the strike as “cowardly” and called for increased international pressure on Russia to halt its aggression. The incident highlights the ongoing human toll of the conflict, which has seen thousands killed or injured since it began in 2022.
**Russia’s Top Leadership Faces Accountability with Establishment of Special Tribunal**
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Zelensky signed an agreement on June 25 for the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russia’s top leadership for the crime of aggression. The move marks a major step forward in Ukraine’s efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
The tribunal would target Russia’s top political and military leaders for their role in the invasion, which has seen widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life. Zelensky praised the Council of Europe for championing the idea from its inception and pushing forward international accountability for Russia’s aggression.
**Russian Su-34 Aircraft Crashes During Training Exercise**
In a separate incident, a Russian Air Force Su-34 fighter jet crashed during a training exercise in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. One pilot died due to sustained injuries after ejecting from the plane, while another was injured but managed to survive.
The crash marks one of several incidents involving Russian aircraft since the start of the war, with over 30 Su-34 aircraft lost according to UK intelligence. The incident highlights the ongoing risks and challenges faced by Russia’s military in maintaining its equipment and personnel during the conflict.
