Ukrainian drone strike kills 13 in Russian Tatarstan city

A Ukrainian drone strike on the outskirts of Nizhnekamsk, a city in Russia's Tatarstan region, killed at least 13 people and wounded 39, local authorities said Monday. The city, located more than 600 miles east of Moscow, hosts a large oil refinery that has been targeted in recent months. Video footage shared on social media and verified by analysts showed a large fire and thick smoke near the refinery's characteristic towers, though the exact target was not confirmed.

The Russian Investigative Committee said a child was among those killed. In the same period, four people were killed in the neighboring Belgorod region, according to acting governor Alexandr Shuvayev.

Ukraine's improved long-range drone capabilities have enabled strikes on infrastructure deep inside Russia, including oil facilities, power substations and warehouses of major retailers. Earlier attacks on a retailer's warehouses resulted in eight deaths, previously the deadliest Ukrainian strike inside Russia.

Both sides have intensified aerial attacks as ground frontlines remain largely static, leading to higher civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure. Russia continues to conduct daily air raids on Ukraine, while Kyiv's ability to intercept ballistic missiles remains limited, prompting requests for additional interceptor systems from allies.