Ukrainianforces unleashed a large-scale missile and drone assault on multipleRussianregions overnight into May 5, targeting key military-industrial and energy sites deep inside Russia. Local residents shared photos and videos to social media purporting to show a massive fire emanating from the JSC VNIIR-Progress institute in Cheboksary, Chuvash Republic. This facility is a Russian state institute located approximately 1,200 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
It serves as a critical node in Moscow's war machine, producing specialised components for high-precision weapons used to attack Ukrainian cities.RussianTelegram media channels reported: "A Ukrainian-made FP-5 Flamingo missile inflicted damage on the facility" following an air raid alert. Residents later observed Ukrainiandronesstriking the same facility again at approximately 7.30 am. local time. The dual-wave nature of the attack suggests a deliberate effort to disrupt emergency response and maximise the structural damage to the institute's manufacturing lines.
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The VNIIR-Progress facility in Cheboksary, Russia, was reportedly hit. It produces secure Kometa navigation modules used in Russian drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.The Kirishinefteorgsintez (KINEF) refinery in Kirishi, Russia’s Leningrad region, was also struck.…pic.twitter.com/6Jp31QQCWd
Governor Oleg Nikolayev claimed: "One person was injured in the attack on Cheboksary." According to data fromUkraine's General Staff, the institute develops electronic warfare (EW) systems, specifically the Kometa antenna arrays.
These arrays are vital for jamming satellite and radar signals and are integrated into Shahed-type drones and Iskander-K cruise missiles. By targeting this facility, Kyiv aims to degradeRussia's ability to navigate precision munitions and protect its own assets from sophisticated electronic interference.
Later that morning, the offensive shifted significantly towards Russia’s energy sector. Governor Alexander Drozdenko first reported a strike in an unspecified industrial zone before later announcing: "The Kirishi oil refinery served as the main target."
Known as KINEF, this site is one of Russia’s three largest refineries, boasting an annual processing capacity of up to 21 million tons of crude oil. It produces over 6% of Russia's total refined oil, providing the fuel for the Kremlin's armoured columns and logistical networks
NASA’sFIRMSfire monitoring system appeared to corroborate these claims, detecting multiple thermal anomalies in the area. At least one photo posted to social media showed thick black smoke rising from the plant. Governor Alexander Drozdenko further claimed: "29 drones were downed over Leningrad Oblast."
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
