NIZHNEKAMSK, Russia — A Ukrainian drone strike on the Russian city of Nizhnekamsk killed at least 13 people, including a child, and wounded dozens, Russian regional authorities said on Monday, in one of the deadliest Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory during the war.
The attack struck Nizhnekamsk in Russia's Tatarstan region, about 800 km (500 miles) east of Moscow, hitting residential areas as well as the TANECO oil refinery operated by Russian oil producer Tatneft, according to Russian officials and Ukrainian authorities.
The death toll was revised upward during the day. Earlier reports from Russian officials had put the number killed at 12 before the figure rose to 13. The number of wounded was also reported differently as authorities continued assessing the damage, with later reports putting it at more than 70.
Seven of those killed were Uzbek citizens, Uzbekistan's consulate in Kazan said, according to Reuters. Several other Central Asian nationals were also among the victims. Nine people were reportedly killed at a hostel, while a child was among those who died.
Ukraine's military acknowledged carrying out strikes on the TANECO refinery, saying the facility was a legitimate target as part of its campaign against Russia's energy infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly said attacks on Russian oil facilities are intended to reduce Moscow's ability to finance and sustain its war effort.
Russian authorities condemned the attack and opened a criminal investigation, describing the incident as a terrorist attack. Russian officials said emergency crews were working at the affected sites and assessing the damage.
The TANECO refinery is a major oil-processing facility and has previously been targeted by Ukrainian drones. The June attack on Nizhnekamsk also damaged industrial and residential areas, according to Tatarstan authorities.
The strike came amid continued Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russia and reciprocal Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. Both sides deny intentionally targeting civilians, while civilian casualties have continued to rise during the conflict.
Authorities in Tatarstan were continuing emergency operations and assessing damage as of Monday, with the casualty figures subject to further revision.
