• Three killed and 35 injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in Izhevsk, Russia.
• The attack targeted the Kupol Electromechanical Plant, which produces air defense systems.
• Russia reported a record monthly number of drone attacks on Ukraine in June.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky announced plans to increase drone production.
• Discussions for a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine have stalled.

A Ukrainian drone strike on the Kupol Electromechanical Plant in Izhevsk, Russia, has resulted in three fatalities and 35 injuries, according to regional officials. The plant, located approximately 1,300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, produces critical military hardware including air defense systems. Alexander Brechalov, head of the Udmurt Republic, confirmed that ten of the injured were in serious condition, and the Russian authorities have imposed temporary flight restrictions in the area following the incident, which was described as one of the deepest strikes into Russian territory since the conflict escalated in February 2022, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.

The attack aligns with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent directive to enhance the country's drone production capabilities, emphasizing the need for interceptor and long-range strike drones in response to record drone attacks by Russia in June. Zelensky stated, "This is extremely important," pointing to the increasing requirement for robust drone defenses amid escalating hostilities, which resulted in Russia launching 5,438 drones against Ukraine in June alone, the highest total recorded, according to Los Angeles Times.

Ukrainian security officials have confirmed the drone strikes, asserting that they significantly disrupt Russian military production chains. The drone attacks by Ukraine have targeted not only military facilities but also logistics hubs deep inside Russian territory, indicating a strategic shift in the conflict. Notably, the recent attacks have claimed that there are "no safe zones for its military infrastructure," reflecting the intensifying use of drones as a means of warfare by both nations, as highlighted by an SBU official, according to BBC and Los Angeles Times.

On the broader diplomatic front, discussions aimed at achieving a ceasefire have yet to yield positive results despite ongoing talks facilitated by international entities, including discussions led by U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg, who criticized Moscow for stalling negotiations while continuing military operations against civilian targets in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has denied claims of dragging its feet in negotiations, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserting that Russia is not interested in prolonging talks, according to Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.