**Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian City, Targeting Military Infrastructure Linked to Deadly Sumy Attack**
On April 16, Ukrainian drones launched a strike on the Russian city of Shuya in Ivanovo Oblast, reportedly targeting military infrastructure linked to Russia’s 112th Missile Brigade. According to independent Russian media outlet Astra, the strike was aimed at disrupting the brigade’s operations.
**Retaliation for Deadly Sumy Attack**
The attack comes just three days after a deadly missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on April 13, which killed at least 35 civilians and injured many more. Ukraine’s intelligence had previously revealed that Russia’s 112th Missile Brigade was involved in the attack, along with the 448th Missile Brigade.
**Russian Defense Ministry Claims**
In response to the Ukrainian drone strike, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that seven Ukrainian drones were destroyed over Ivanovo Oblast on April 16. Local authorities reported no fatalities, but two people were reportedly injured and received medical attention. However, The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.
**Photos from the Scene Show Military Activity**
Photos from the scene show plumes of smoke, with military equipment deployed in the city. Astra reports that the photos show a significant military presence in Shuya, suggesting a coordinated response to the drone strike.
**Ukraine’s Retaliation Efforts**
Earlier on April 15, Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed that its forces had targeted and struck the base of the 448th Missile Brigade in Kursk Oblast. The operation involved various Ukrainian forces, including Unmanned Systems Forces, Special Operations Forces, and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). This was a clear demonstration of Ukraine’s commitment to tracking and retaliating against Russian units responsible for targeting civilian populations.
**International Condemnation**
The international community has widely condemned Russia’s use of cluster munitions in the Sumy attack, labeling it a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Ukrainian officials have pledged to continue tracking and retaliating against all Russian units involved in targeting civilians.
This latest drone strike by Ukraine serves as a reminder that both sides are engaged in a high-stakes conflict with no clear end in sight. The escalation of attacks on civilian populations only adds to the complexity and severity of this ongoing crisis.
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