Ukraine war escalation sees drone strikes hit Russian aircraft factories, command centers, and key military sites
Ukraine has launched a series of long-range drone strikes targeting critical Russian military infrastructure, including major aircraft manufacturing plants deep inside Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in the Ukraine war.
According to Ukraine’s General Staff, a key strike hit the Aviastar aircraft manufacturing plant in Russia’s Ulyanovsk region, located around 800 kilometers inside Russia. The facility, which produces and maintains military transport aircraft, reportedly suffered damage to aircraft hangars and parking areas. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Russia has not officially confirmed the strike. Regional authorities claimed that Ukrainian drones were intercepted, without acknowledging any damage to the facility.
In a separate operation, Ukrainian forces also struck the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in Russia’s Novgorod region, about 750 kilometers from Ukraine’s border. The site, used to repair and upgrade military aircraft, including Il-76 transport planes, was reportedly hit in key operational areas.
Ukraine’s campaign extended beyond industrial targets. In occupied Donetsk, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces said they successfully struck a command post of Russia’s elite Rubikon drone unit, along with ammunition depots and coordination centers used for drone warfare.
The Rubikon unit plays a crucial role in Russia’s drone operations, including tracking and destroying Ukrainian drones. Moscow has not responded to the claims.
Meanwhile, Russia continued its own aerial campaign. Russian drones targeted the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, hitting a building used by the State Security Service (SBU) and causing structural damage. No casualties were reported, though residents were warned about falling debris.
Despite being far from the front lines, Lviv has increasingly faced drone and missile threats, highlighting the expanding reach of the conflict.
Ukraine has intensified its strategy of striking high-value military targets deep inside Russia to weaken Moscow’s war capabilities. Officials say such operations will continue until Russia’s military aggression is halted.
As both sides escalate attacks, the conflict shows no signs of slowing, with drone warfare and long-range strikes becoming central to the battlefield.
Source: Kyiv Independent.