**Ukraine Targets Russian Industrial and Energy Sites in Penza and Volgograd Oblasts**
In a surprise overnight attack on July 31, Ukrainian drones struck multiple targets across Russia, including an industrial facility in the western city of Penza and energy infrastructure in Volgograd Oblast. This latest escalation comes as Ukraine intensifies its campaign targeting Russian military, industrial, and logistical infrastructure deep inside Russia.
One of the main targets was a radio factory in Penza, which produces advanced communications systems for the Russian Armed Forces. According to Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, the facility specializes in mobile command units, automated combat control systems, and military-grade radio stations. “It is a key enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex,” he said.
The attack on the radio factory was just one of several targets hit by Ukrainian drones overnight. In Volgograd Oblast, regional officials confirmed that drones targeted transportation and energy infrastructure in Kotelnikovo and nearby districts. Governor Andrei Bocharov reported that gas supplies to 65 homes were cut off, and train traffic was restricted near the Tinguta station due to drone debris.
**Key Takeaways**
* Ukrainian drones struck multiple targets across Russia overnight on July 31.
* The main target was a radio factory in Penza, which produces advanced communications systems for the Russian Armed Forces.
* Energy infrastructure in Volgograd Oblast was also targeted, resulting in disruptions to gas supplies and train traffic.
* Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drones to disrupt Moscow’s war effort and force resource redeployments far from the front lines.
**Analysis**
The recent escalation by Ukraine reflects a growing trend of targeting Russian military-industrial complex deep inside Russia. This approach allows Kyiv to inflict significant damage without directly engaging with Russian forces at the front lines. The attack on the radio factory in Penza is particularly notable, as it highlights Ukraine’s ability to disrupt critical infrastructure supporting Russia’s war effort.
However, it remains unclear how effective these attacks will be in weakening Moscow’s resolve and undermining its military capabilities. As the conflict continues, it is likely that both sides will continue to escalate their efforts to outmaneuver each other.
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