Drone Attacks in Tatarstan: Explosions Near Key Russian Military Sites

Drone Strikes Rock Tatarstan: Explosions Reported Near Shahed Drone Factory and Airfield On June 10, 2025, a series of explosions rocked Tatarstan, Russia, prompting immediate speculation about the cause. Footage circulating on social media showed large plumes of smoke and fire, leading to widespread concern. Early reports from a Russian Telegram channel, Mash, indicated that the explosions occurred near the city of Yelabuga, a known location for the production of Iranian-made Shahed drones used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The reports also mentioned explosions near Nizhnekamsk. Adding to the intrigue, the Ukrainian Armed Forces later claimed responsibility for the attacks. A statement from the forces' special operations unit confirmed a long-range drone strike on the Savasleyka airfield, a key facility for Russian Mi-31K fighter jets. "The strikes were precise and effective," a spokesperson for the unit stated, according to a translated report. The attacks highlight the escalating tensions in the region and the increasing range and effectiveness of Ukrainian drone technology. The incident also raises questions about the security of Russian military infrastructure and the potential for further escalation of the conflict.