Fact Check: The drone production facility in Yelabuga was used by Russian forces to manufacture, test, and launch attack drones against Ukrainian territory, including energy and civilian infrastructure.

Fact Check: "The drone production facility in Yelabuga was used by Russian forces to manufacture, test, and launch attack drones against Ukrainian territory, including energy and civilian infrastructure."

What We Know

On June 15, 2025, Ukraine's General Staff confirmed that a strike was carried out on a drone production facility located in Yelabuga, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. This facility is reported to be part of the Russian military-industrial complex and is specifically used to "manufacture, test, and launch attack drones against Ukrainian territory, in particular against energy and civilian infrastructure" (Ukrainska Pravda, source-1). The strike was executed by units of Ukraine's Special Operations Forces in coordination with other defense components (RBC-Ukraine, source-2).

The General Staff emphasized that the operation aimed to reduce Russia's capacity to produce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that have been used in attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure (Liga.net, source-3). The facility is known to produce various types of drones, including those that have targeted civilian areas and energy facilities in Ukraine (Ukrinform, source-5).

Analysis

The claim that the Yelabuga facility was used by Russian forces to manufacture, test, and launch attack drones is supported by multiple credible sources, including official statements from Ukraine's military. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a reliable source, as it is the official military body responsible for operations and intelligence in the ongoing conflict (Kyiv Independent, source-6).

The reports consistently highlight the facility's role in producing drones specifically designed for offensive operations against Ukraine, including attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure. The reliability of these claims is bolstered by the fact that they are corroborated by multiple independent news outlets and military reports (Ukrainska Pravda, source-1; RBC-Ukraine, source-2).

While the information comes primarily from Ukrainian sources, the consistency across various reports and the nature of the military operations lend credibility to the assertion. There is no significant evidence presented by opposing sources that contradicts the claims made by Ukraine's military.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the drone production facility in Yelabuga was used by Russian forces to manufacture, test, and launch attack drones against Ukrainian territory, including energy and civilian infrastructure, is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The consistent reporting from Ukraine's military and independent news organizations confirms the facility's role in the conflict.

Sources

1. Ukraine's General Staff confirms strike on drone production facility in ...
2. Ukraine hits drone production facility in Yelabuga on June 15 | RBC-Ukraine
3. Ukraine struck a drone production plant in Tatarstan - General Staff
4. Ukrainian Defense forces strike drone production site in ...
5. Ukraine hits attack drone production facility in Russia - Ukrinform
6. Ukraine war latest: Kyiv strikes Russian drone factory, ...
7. [Ukraine strikes Russian military drone factory in Tatarstan updated ...
8. Ukraine's General Staff confirms strike on drone production ...