Explosions Heard in Tula Oblast as Mass Drone Attack Hits Aleksin, Russia

Explosions rocked Aleksin in Russia’s Tula Oblast during an alleged drone attack, signaling strikes deeper into Russian territory amid ongoing conflict.

Overnight on January 14, a series of explosions were reported in Aleksin, a city in Russia’s Tula Oblast, during what local media described as a mass drone attack. This region, home to over 1.5 million people and located just south of Moscow, has witnessed heightened tensions as Ukraine continues to target strategic military sites in Russia.

Residents in Aleksin reported hearing at least ten explosions across different parts of the city, raising concerns about the increasing reach of such attacks. Tula Governor Dmitry Milyaev assured the public that no casualties occurred. However, these claims could not be independently verified.

The drone attack came just hours after reports of another aerial strike damaging a chemical plant in Russia’s Bryansk Oblast on the eve of January 13. Bryansk, which borders Ukraine, has been a frequent target of cross-border operations.

Aleksin is situated approximately 129.5 kilometres (80.5 miles) from Moscow, marking a significant escalation in the depth of strikes into Russian territory. The proximity of these incidents to the capital highlights the vulnerability of Russia’s interior, despite Moscow’s efforts to maintain a robust defensive posture.

Ukraine has regularly targeted military infrastructure inside Russia as part of its strategy to weaken Moscow’s ability to sustain its war effort. These operations, aimed at disrupting logistics and supply chains, are part of Ukraine’s broader attempt to defend itself against Russian aggression.