An unmanned aircraft from Ukraine struck a residential high-rise in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on Saturday, marking the first time the major urban center has been targeted since the conflict between the two nations began, according to regional authorities.
Denis Pasler, who serves as governor of the Sverdlovsk region, reported through the Telegram messaging platform that while no deaths occurred, several individuals sustained minor injuries and one woman required hospital treatment.
“Residents of the affected building have been evacuated,” he said. “All emergency services are working promptly.”
Social media footage confirmed by Reuters displayed thick smoke billowing from the upper floors of the contemporary tower. The building’s exterior showed significant fire damage and numerous shattered windows from the impact.
Ukrainian officials have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.
This attack on Yekaterinburg occurred following a substantial overnight Russian assault on Ukraine that resulted in seven deaths and injured many others.
The targeted city houses 1.5 million people and sits in Russia’s Ural mountain region within Sverdlovsk, an area known for its numerous military manufacturing facilities. The distance from Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv to Yekaterinburg spans more than 1,200 miles.
Since hostilities commenced in 2022, Russian forces have conducted extensive bombardments of Ukrainian locations using artillery, unmanned aircraft, and aerial strikes. In response, Ukraine has launched operations deep within Russian territory using sabotage teams and drones, eliminating Russian military commanders and targeting petroleum facilities and pipeline infrastructure.
