Russia reported unprecedented drone incursions into Siberia and the Arctic Circle over the weekend, marking a sharp escalation in the geographic scope of Ukraine-linked UAV attacks. Meanwhile, investigators have confirmed that two recent railway bridge collapses in western Russia were acts of sabotage, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
In a first for the region, Governor Igor Kobzev of Irkutsk announced that a military base in the settlement of Sredny, located about 150 kilometers from Lake Baikal, was targeted by several drones. One UAV also struck a building in the nearby village of Novomaltinsk.
Kobzev said the drones were reportedly launched from a tractor-trailer, though the total number involved remains unclear. Unverified social media footage suggests at least three drones took part. Emergency services responded to the scene, and authorities stated there was no immediate danger to civilians.
“The launch site has been blocked,” Kobzev said. “There is no threat to lives or health.”
On the same day, Governor Andrey Chibis of Murmansk Region—a vast territory spanning the Arctic Circle—confirmed that enemy drones had entered the area, prompting air defense activation.
“Our air defense systems are engaged. Residents should remain calm and report any unusual activity,” Chibis urged via Telegram.
These developments reflect a broadening of Ukraine’s drone strategy, with UAV strikes now stretching thousands of kilometers into Russia's interior and sensitive northern installations.
Simultaneously, Russia’s Investigative Committee has confirmed that two railway bridge collapses in Bryansk and Kursk Regions were caused by explosive sabotage—not structural failure or accidents.
In Bryansk, a passenger train derailed Saturday evening after a bridge was destroyed, killing seven people and injuring 71 others. Hours later in Kursk, a freight train fell from a collapsing bridge, injuring three crew members.
“Both bridges were blown up. Criminal investigations are underway,” the Investigative Committee stated.
Russian Senator Andrey Klishas blamed the attacks on Kiev, branding Ukraine a “terrorist enclave without law or legitimacy.”
The coordinated attacks—via drones and sabotage—come as Russia and Ukraine engage in U.S.-brokered peace negotiations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that Ukraine’s drone campaign is aimed at derailing the talks, accusing Western powers of enabling the escalation.
In response to the UAV raids, Russia launched retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure, targeting drone manufacturing hubs and logistics depots.