Support from an Unlikely Ally: Fico Signals Backing for Ukraine’s EU Bid
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his pro-Russian stance, has expressed support for Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union
Drone attacks targeted businesses in Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk in southwestern Russia, resulting in injuries to six individuals, with three requiring hospitalization. While the final tally of victims remains uncertain, Russian state media, citing the press service of the head of Tatarstan, assured that there was no significant damage, and the industrial processes remained uninterrupted.
Drones strike Yelabuga, Tatarstan: hitting the Elaz-Nefteproduct refinery and the Shahed drone factory. Yelabuga sits 1,200 km from Ukraine's border. pic.twitter.com/8AS1dtUCCW
— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) April 2, 2024
These attacks mark the first instance of Ukrainian attacks against Tatarstan, according to media reports. The strikes caused two injuries due to drones striking a dormitory, as reported by the administration of the special economic zone "Yelabuga" in the Yelabuga region.
Videos circulating on Telegram channels depict drone aircraft bombing industrial areas, followed by powerful explosions. Despite the alarming visuals, authorities reiterated that the overall impact on the industrial infrastructure was limited.
⚡️1200 km from the border with Ukraine: drones attacked enterprises in Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan. A drone arrived at the Elaz-Naftoprodukt Refinery. A second drone arrived in the special economic zone "Alabuga", where Shahed drones are reportedly assembled. pic.twitter.com/jWFq55pjev
— NOELREPORTS ???????? ???????? (@NOELreports) April 2, 2024
The Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate, as per RBC-Ukraine, targeted a factory assembling unmanned aerial vehicles of the "Shahed" type, resulting in significant destruction of production facilities. While Ukrainian media regularly attribute such attacks to the GRU, Kyiv has not officially confirmed these claims. However, President Volodymyr Zelensky recently defended the use of drones, citing the need for self-defense against Russian strikes.
Zelensky's remarks come amidst a surge in drone attacks on Russian refineries and industrial sites, with reports indicating a heightened frequency of such assaults in March. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding Russia's alleged plans to produce Iranian-style drones at the Yelabuga plant, as reported by the "Washington Post" in August.
On June 12, Ukraine’s General Staff announced a significant milestone in the war with Russia - over one million Russian troops have been killed or wounded since the start of the full-scale invasion
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended congratulations to the Russian people on the occasion of Russia Day, marked annually on June 12
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russian leader Vladimir Putin for over an hour on June 4, following Ukraine’s large-scale drone assault on Russian military airfields
The United Kingdom has officially started preparing for a possible military conflict with Russia
On June 1, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) carried out a large-scale drone attack on Russian airfields deep inside Russia, reportedly destroying over 40 strategic bombers
On June 1st, Russia blamed Ukraine for a train derailment in Bryansk Oblast
Borderless Bulgaria: How Schengen Benefits Are Transforming Trade and Logistics
Bulgaria's Mortality Rate Remains Highest in Europe