**Ukrainian Drones Strike Deep into Russia, Targeting Drone-Manufacturing Facility**
In a bold and daring move, Ukrainian drones targeted the Russian region of Tatarstan overnight on June 10. The attacks were reported in the cities of Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk, which are over 1,200 kilometers away from Ukraine’s border.
According to eyewitnesses and reports from Telegram channels, explosions were heard in both cities, with drones spotted flying overhead. This is not an isolated incident – drone attacks inside Russia have been intensifying over recent months, targeting military and logistical infrastructure.
One of the facilities targeted by Ukrainian drones is a Shahed-manufacturing plant in Yelabuga, which produces Iranian-designed drones used by Russia to attack Ukrainian cities. The results of the latest strikes remain unknown, but it’s clear that Ukraine is taking a more aggressive approach to countering Russian aggression.
**Russia Responds with Force and Censorship**
In response to the drone attacks, Russian authorities have grounded flights at multiple airports and expanded penalties for publishing footage of drone strikes. This includes fines and restrictions on sharing data about missile interceptions or drone hits.
Russian officials claim that their air defense systems successfully intercepted 102 Ukrainian drones overnight, including those over Moscow and other regions. However, local residents captured a video showing air defense missiles failing to intercept a fixed-wing drone flying over Nizhnekamsk.
**Regional Bans on Sharing Drone Strike Data**
Russia has imposed regional bans on sharing data about drone strikes, with fines ranging from 3,000 to 200,000 rubles ($40-$2,550) for repeat offenders. This includes social media users, Telegram channel admins, and media outlets who share videos or comments about drone attacks.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has also claimed that they destroyed 76 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over various regions on June 9, including occupied Crimea. However, the accuracy of these claims is unclear, and it’s likely that Ukraine will continue to push back against Russian aggression with daring drone strikes.
**The Situation in Russia**
As the situation continues to unfold, residents are speaking out about the disruptions caused by the drone attacks. The Leningrad Oblast governor has imposed restrictions on mobile and internet access in several areas, citing security concerns.
Meanwhile, flights have been temporarily restricted at airports in Nizhnekamsk, Pulkovo in St. Petersburg, Izhevsk, Kirov, and all Moscow airports due to the heightened drone threat.
**Commentary**
The brazen nature of these attacks highlights Ukraine’s determination to counter Russian aggression. By targeting a drone-manufacturing facility in Tatarstan, Ukraine is striking at Russia’s ability to wage war on Ukrainian soil.
The expansion of penalties for sharing drone strike data also raises concerns about censorship and the suppression of free speech. As the situation continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Russia responds to these challenges and whether Ukraine’s bold tactics will pay off.
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