A Ukrainian drone attack struck the city of Nizhnekamsk, in the Republic of Tatarstan, about a thousand kilometers from the front line. Russian authorities reported a toll of 13 dead, including a child, and 75 wounded, describing the raid as the deadliest attack on Russian territory since the conflict began in 2022. The city hosts major refineries and a petrochemical plant.

The Ukrainian general staff claimed responsibility for the operation, stating it had struck the Taneko refinery of the Tatneft group. Russian authorities say the bombs also hit residential buildings. The press office of the head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, reported in particular the strike on a hostel where nine civilians were reportedly killed. According to the Uzbekistan foreign ministry, seven Uzbek citizens were among the victims.

The raid on Tatarstan follows an attack on Sunday on the Belgorod region, which according to local authorities caused six dead and 25 wounded. The Russian foreign ministry accused Ukraine of targeting civilians for terrorist purposes. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called on the international community and relevant organizations to provide a clear assessment of Kyiv's actions.

On the Ukrainian side, the prosecutor's office of the Kharkiv region reported that five people were killed in a massive Russian artillery attack on the residential area of the village of Bugaivka, in the Chuguiv district. One person died in the Kherson oblast when a drone struck a taxi, according to governor Yaroslav Chanko. In the Zaporizhzhia region, Russian glide bombs caused 18 wounded according to local police.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky announced new contacts with mediators this week aimed at a negotiated solution to the conflict. Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that the Ukrainian government aims to prolong the conflict as the only way to remain in power, adding that Russia would have no choice but to continue military operations. Galuzin also expressed doubts about the sincerity of the United States in seeking to mediate an end to the fighting, citing the provision of intelligence and other forms of assistance to Kyiv.

The Kremlin also ordered the blocking of the anti-war Yabloko party from the Duma elections scheduled for September.