A series of drone attacks launched by Ukraine left at least eight people dead and around 60 injured, this Saturday (18), in Russian territory. The main target was two headquarters of Wildberries, considered the largest Russian e-commerce platform, in the Tambov and Elektrostal regions.
The local governor of Tambov, located about 500 kilometers southeast of Moscow, Yevgueni Pervyshov, stated that 28 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and failed to reach their planned targets. Otherwise, he assesses, the number of victims could be even greater.
“It can be said with certainty that it was a planned attack against the civilian population,” declared the governor in an official statement published by RT.
In addition to this point, the bombings also hit an oil depot on the outskirts of Moscow. The fire caused by the explosion at the site forced the evacuation of a maternity ward.
In the city of Elektrostal, in the Moscow metropolitan region, the attack left one person dead and 37 injured. An estimate from Moscow City Hall shows that more than 300 drones were launched against the city this Saturday.
The Ukrainian government confirmed responsibility for the attacks. President Volodymir Zelensky said the operations hit two major Russian commercial areas. According to Zelensky, the spaces would be used to manufacture drones and navigation equipment used by the Russian military.
Escalation of war
The bombings take place at a time of intensifying conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Last week, during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Ankara, the alliance reaffirmed its military and financial support for Kiev and confirmed the sending of 70 billion euros in equipment, assistance and training to Ukrainian forces.
In turn, Moscow once again accused Western countries of direct involvement in the war and stated that increased military aid to Ukraine makes a negotiated solution to the conflict difficult. Russian authorities have also accused Kiev of increasing drone attacks on energy and infrastructure facilities on Russian territory, while Russia intensifies bombings of Ukrainian cities.
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br
