In a bold escalation of its long-range operations, Ukraine launched a drone attack on June 9, 2025, targeting the VNIIR Progress electronics plant in Cheboksary, Chuvashia, approximately 700 kilometers east of Moscow, forcing a temporary suspension of production.
The strike, one of the deepest into Russian territory since the war began in February 2022, underscored Kyiv’s growing capability to disrupt Russia’s military-industrial complex. The facility, critical for producing anti-jamming receivers and navigation equipment used in Russian drones, missiles, and guided bombs, suffered structural damage, prompting regional authorities to halt operations for safety assessments. The attack, hailed by Ukrainian officials as a strategic blow, highlighted the intensifying technological and tactical rivalry in the ongoing conflict.
The assault began in the early hours, with two Ukrainian drones penetrating Russian airspace and striking the plant’s central workshop, causing a partial roof collapse and sparking a fire. Oleg Nikolayev, head of Chuvashia, confirmed the incident, noting that no casualties were reported but production was paused to evaluate damage.
Ukrainian military sources claimed the drones, equipped with precision guidance, targeted key assembly lines, disrupting Russia’s ability to replenish its arsenal of Shahed-136 and Lancet kamikaze drones, which rely on VNIIR’s Kometa anti-jamming modules. Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported downing 49 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions, including two over Chuvashia, but did not disclose the extent of the damage. Local residents described hearing explosions and seeing thick smoke, with emergency services cordoning off the area.
The strike, part of Ukraine’s “Operation Spider’s Web,” follows similar attacks on Russian oil refineries and airfields, reflecting Kyiv’s strategy to weaken Moscow’s war machine. The incident has heightened tensions, with Russian officials vowing retaliation, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his call for a ceasefire, accusing Moscow of obstructing peace talks.