Several Russian cities, as well as occupied Crimea, were attacked by drones early on Saturday morning, August 2.

According to Russian Telegram channels, explosions were heard in the Lipetsk, Ryazan, Taganrog, Penza, Voronezh, and Samara regions, as well as in occupied Crimea.

The SHOT Telegram channel reported that at least four explosions occurred in different areas of Lipetsk. Before that, locals heard an air raid siren, followed by apparent air defense activity targeting drones.

Soon after, videos began circulating on other Telegram channels allegedly showing footage of the drone attack and the explosions. Some sources claimed a military airfield was the target.

Ryazan was also reportedly targeted. Photos and videos published online show at least one fire and visible smoke after the attack. Later, local Telegram channels claimed that a fire had broken out near the oil refinery in Ryazan.

The Baza Telegram channel also reported that explosions were heard early in the morning over the Diaghilev Airfield in Ryazan.

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According to Goncharov, Ukraine’s defense sector has the potential to generate USD 30–35 billion annually, with even greater capacity possible through targeted investment and workforce expansion.

The pro-Ukrainian “Crimean Wind” Telegram channel reported that the Crimean Bridge was blocked, and a series of explosions was heard in Feodosia, Crimea.

Footage circulating on social media allegedly shows a fire near an oil depot in Feodosia. Reports indicated that the city had been under drone attack for several hours.

At approximately 00:34 Kyiv time, SHOT wrote that more than five explosions were heard in Taganrog, Rostov region. Flashes were seen in the sky, and air defenses were reportedly engaged.

There were also reports of explosions in the Voronezh region, where an unknown drone allegedly damaged a kindergarten building. It was also claimed that the windows of an office building were shattered.

Meanwhile, drones attacked the Penza and Samara regions, causing fires near an oil refinery and on the premises of two defense-related enterprises.

Russian Telegram channels reported that a drone threat alert was issued in the Samara region at 02:40. Temporary flight restrictions were introduced in the area.

Around 05:00, residents of Novokuibyshevsk in the Samara region reported loud noises in the sky. The Telegram channel Exilenova+ published a video allegedly showing drones striking the Novokuibyshevsk oil refinery.

Between five and eight explosions were heard in Penza. Local residents reported that at least one drone was downed by air defenses over a forest, with smoke seen rising from the wreckage.

Eyewitnesses also filmed drones striking JSC “Production Association Electropribor” in Penza.

This facility is linked to the defense industry and involved in state military contracts. It reportedly manufactures:

• Cryptographic communication protection devices, secure modems, and multiplexers;

• Switches and equipment for digital networks in military command systems;

• Hardware for aircraft, armored vehicles, ships, and spacecraft;

• Systems for secure transmission of voice, graphics, and documents.

Drones also reportedly struck the Penza Radiozavod plant again.

In its morning update on Telegram, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that between 20:00 on August 1 and 04:40 on August 2 (Moscow time), Russian air defenses destroyed or intercepted 112 Ukrainian aircraft-type drones:

• 34 over the Rostov region

• 31 over Krasnodar region

• 12 over Voronezh region

• 11 over Ryazan region

• 5 over Samara region

• 4 over Penza region

• 2 over Belgorod region

• 1 each over occupied Crimea and Lipetsk region

• 11 over the Azov and Black Seas

As of now, the Ukrainian side has not issued an official comment on the attack.

Long-range drones operated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) struck the Radiozavod plant in Penza – a key facility within Rostec that produces automated combat systems and mobile command centers for the Russian military on July 31, a Kyiv Post source in the SBU confirmed.

At least 11 explosions were recorded during the strike, followed by a large fire that reportedly destroyed a new production complex and critical component warehouses.

The plant, already under international sanctions, supports command systems for Russian air defense, artillery, and strategic forces.

The local governor acknowledged a fire at an industrial site but denied casualties or serious damage. Authorities also temporarily restricted mobile internet access, citing support for counter-drone systems.