**Russia’s 112th Missile Brigade Hit by Drones for Second Time**
In the latest escalation of tensions, drones have attacked positions of Russia’s 112th Missile Brigade in Shuya, Ivanovo Oblast, for the second consecutive day. This comes after Ukraine’s intelligence linked the brigade to a strike against Sumy on Palm Sunday that killed 35 people.
On April 16, the brigade was hit by drones once again, with independent Russian news outlet Astra reporting on the incident. The outlet geolocated one of the videos from the attack, confirming that it took place just 180 meters away from the brigade’s garrison. While details about damage or casualties are scarce, eyewitness footage shows a fire breaking out at the site.
**Russia Claims Success in Downed Drones**
In a statement released on April 16, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces successfully downed 71 Ukrainian drones overnight – nearly half of them in Kursk Oblast. Notably, there were no reported incidents over Ivanovo Oblast, where Shuya is located.
However, Ukraine has not commented on the claims, and their veracity could not be independently verified. This raises questions about Russia’s ability to accurately track and counter drone attacks.
**Targeting Russian Military Units**
This attack follows a similar strike against another Russian military unit – the 448th Missile Brigade in Kursk Oblast. Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed on April 15 that its forces targeted and struck this brigade, which was also linked to the Palm Sunday strike against Sumy.
The recurring drone attacks on Russian military units indicate a growing trend of Ukraine pushing back against Moscow’s military presence. As tensions escalate between the two nations, it remains unclear what consequences these actions will have in the broader conflict.
Shuya lies approximately 700 kilometers northeast of the Ukrainian border and serves as an important hub for Russia’s military operations in the region. The attacks on the 112th Missile Brigade could signal a deliberate strategy to disrupt Moscow’s ability to launch strikes against Ukraine, forcing Russian forces to reconsider their tactics.
**Geopolitical Context**
The conflict has been simmering since February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Over the past year and a half, both sides have repeatedly traded blows in various sectors – including ground battles, air campaigns, and cyberattacks. The recent drone strikes on Russian military units reflect a shift towards unconventional warfare tactics by Ukraine.
This evolution is likely driven by Ukraine’s need to regain momentum in its struggle against Russia. As the war enters its second year, Kyiv has come under increasing pressure from international partners for concrete results in their fight for territorial control and sovereignty.
