Ukraine Strikes Deep Inside Russia, Targeting Defense and Energy Facilities
In a series of coordinated drone strikes, Ukraine confirmed successful hits on the Kupol Electromechanical Plant in Izhevsk and the Saratovorgsintez chemical plant in Saratov region—both of which play direct roles in supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the attack on the Kupol facility was part of a deliberate campaign to degrade Russia’s air defense capabilities. Kupol is a major defense enterprise specializing in the production of short-range surface-to-air missile systems, particularly the Tor-M2E. It also manufactures advanced training systems and, more recently, combat drones reportedly assembled with Chinese components. Precise strikes were confirmed on Building No. 1 at Site No. 1, resulting in a fire. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but Ukrainian authorities described the outcome as a “defeat” of the site.
The significance of the Kupol plant goes far beyond conventional arms production. In 2023, it began assembling Harpy-A1 loitering munitions—strike drones—further integrating drone warfare into Russia’s toolkit for use in Ukraine. The facility had already come under international sanctions and was previously struck by Ukrainian drones in November 2024.
Russian residents complained that they had never heard any warnings or sirens, which led to civilian casualties.
A separate strike targeted the Saratovorgsintez chemical plant, a major petrochemical facility and a subsidiary of Russian oil giant Lukoil. The plant is known for producing acrylonitrile, acetonitrile, and sodium cyanide—substances essential to a range of military-grade materials and fuels. Ukrainian officials said the plant’s infrastructure was hit directly, with damage to technological installations and fire confirmed on site.
Both attacks form part of a wider Ukrainian strategy aimed at disrupting Russia’s war economy. The Saratov region, which lies hundreds of kilometers from the front line, has increasingly become a target. Ukrainian sources have previously reported successful strikes against fuel infrastructure in the area, including repeated attacks on the Saratov Oil Refinery.
On July 1, three drones again landed on the refinery’s grounds, though no significant damage was reported this time. Earlier attacks, such as one in February 2025, forced shutdowns due to fires triggered by drone strikes on key gas lines.
These operations underline Ukraine’s growing drone capabilities and intelligence reach inside Russian territory. Rather than symbolic hits, these are strategic strikes against facilities that produce, fuel, or equip the forces carrying out Russia’s aggression.
