According to Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, several high-value sites were hit in Saransk and Tula, both of which are closely linked to russia’s defense sector.
Saransk
In Saransk, Republic of Mordovia, drones struck the Fiber Optic Systems plant. This facility is a crucial element of russia’s military communications infrastructure and specializes in producing fiber-optic cables and systems for the russian Armed Forces, including fiber-guided drones.
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"The plant is one of the key assets supporting russia’s technological advantage on the battlefield," said Kovalenko. "It provides the fiber-optic systems that allow the enemy to operate sophisticated drone platforms with precision and resilience."
Eyewitnesses also reported fires at other industrial sites in the vicinity.
Tula
In Tula, drones targeted the Joint Stock Company Instrument Design Bureau, a flagship enterprise of the russian defense industry. The bureau develops a wide range of weapon systems, including anti-tank guided missiles, small arms, and modular combat systems - all actively used against Ukraine.
Another major facility struck in Tula was the Splav Research and Production Association, russia’s leading developer of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), including the Grad, Uragan, and Smerch systems.
"These systems are responsible for widespread destruction in Ukraine," Kovalenko noted. "Striking their production facilities disrupts the enemy’s ability to replenish key battlefield capabilities."
Splav is closely associated with the Rostec state corporation and remains one of the main suppliers of heavy weapons to the russian military.
Kovalenko emphasized the strategic importance of the strikes. "While Ukraine targets legitimate military sites, russia continues to kill civilians," he said.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. However, Ukrainian officials believe the disruption to russia’s defense production and logistics could be significant. According to Kovalenko, operations at the fiber-optic plant in Saransk may now be suspended, potentially halting the supply of key components for russian military drones.
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