**Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Russian Electronics Plant**
A significant drone attack on Russia’s Volga river region has caused a temporary halt in production at an electronics company. According to Chuvashia Governor Oleg Nikolayev, two Ukrainian drones fell on the plant’s territory, located some 1,300 km from the border with Ukraine.
The strike, which represents one of the deepest incursions by a Ukrainian drone into Russia in over three years, resulted in no casualties. However, out of precaution, production at the VNIIR enterprise was suspended to ensure employee safety. The nature and extent of any potential damage caused by the drones are still unclear.
**Russian Air Defenses Down Multiple Drones**
Meanwhile, Russian air defense systems successfully destroyed 49 Ukrainian drones overnight across Russia, according to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry on Telegram. Another drone reportedly fell onto fields in Cheboksary, the capital city of Chuvashia. Reuters could not verify reports of a fire at the VNIIR plant, which allegedly produces components for electronic warfare.
**Context and Significance**
The attack on the VNIIR plant takes place against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The Ukrainian military has stated that their strikes within Russia are targeted at key infrastructure supporting Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine. This assertion aligns with previous claims by Kyiv regarding the purpose behind these operations.
**U.S. Sanctions**
It is worth noting that VNIIR, which conducts research and technological development for relay engineering with experimental production in Chuvashia, is listed on the U.S. sanctions list by the U.S. Treasury website. This designation highlights the strategic importance of this facility within Russia’s military infrastructure.
**Regional Impact**
A recent drone attack in the Voronezh region damaged a gas pipeline, affecting 22 clients and disrupting their access to natural gas supplies. The regional governor attributed this incident to Ukrainian aggression. These events underscore the broader implications of ongoing conflict on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine border.
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