Russia has reported an attack by dozens of Ukrainian drones, with strikes recorded on various targets, including in the Rostov region.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, 48 Ukrainian drones were allegedly intercepted or destroyed during the night of July 4, including:
- 26 over the Rostov region;
- 12 over the Kursk region;
- 6 over the Belgorod region;
- 3 over the Oryol region;
- 1 over the Lipetsk region.
The head of the Rostov region stated that drones were neutralized in Azov, Rostov, Novoshakhtinsk, Shakhty, Azovsky, Myasnikovsky, Kamensky, Zhovtnevyi rural district, Millerovsky, and Tarasovsky districts.
According to him, a power outage occurred at a transformer substation in Shakhty as a result of the attack. Windows in several houses near the substation were damaged, but there were no casualties.
Meanwhile, Telegram channels circulated footage of smoke rising over what was allegedly the targeted Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant.
“This facility produces critical components for the Russian army: sights, rangefinders, thermal imagers, and fire control systems for tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, ships, and even aircraft. It is here that the ‘eyes’ for Russian armored vehicles are assembled,” wrote Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
The head of Russia’s Udmurt Republic, Aleksandr Brechalov, reported that at least two drones were shot down, with at least one heading toward the city of Izhevsk.
This marks the third drone attack on the region within a week. On July 1, Izhevsk came under drone fire. The city is home to the Kupol plant, which specializes in the production of Tor and Osa surface-to-air missile systems, onboard missile equipment, training systems, and UAVs. According to the GUR MOU portal “War and Sanctions,” the plant is under international sanctions as part of Russia’s military-industrial complex.
At the time, Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed precise strikes on Building No. 1 at Site No. 1 of the plant, where a fire broke out. The attack on Kupol was carried out by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) in cooperation with other Defense Forces units. Local authorities reported three people killed and 35 injured in the strike.
On July 3, another drone attack was reported. According to Brechalov, drones targeted a certain facility, though not in Izhevsk this time. One drone reportedly hit a technical building.
Later today, the General staff of Ukraine has confirmed a strike in Moscow on the defense concern responsible for producing thermobaric warheads for the Shahed kamikaze drones – the Research Institute of Applied Chemistry.
