Kathmandu— Ukraine has intensified its long-range strikes within Russia, targeting military infrastructure including a rocket center vital to Russia’s space program and a key airfield. The attacks, carried out using domestically produced Flamingo cruise missiles, reached targets in the Samara region, over 900 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Simultaneously, Moscow is demanding explanations from both the United States and Turkey regarding reports of a planned transfer of a significant quantity of U.S.-owned weaponry currently held by Turkey to Ukraine.

Ukrainian Strikes Target Russian Infrastructure

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s armed forces successfully struck the Progress Centre rocket facility, part of Russia's Roscosmos space agency, with Flamingo cruise missiles. He emphasized the center’s role in producing rocket technology and electronics essential to Russia’s war effort, framing the strikes as a means of bringing the conflict closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Ukrainian forces also targeted Savasleyka air base, located approximately 700 kilometers inside Russian territory. Zelenskyy articulated that these long-range attacks are part of a broader strategy to diminish Russia’s war potential and ultimately achieve peace through demonstrable damage to key facilities.

Russian Claims of Repelled Attacks and Civilian Casualties

Ivan Noskov, the mayor of Samara, reported that air defenses successfully intercepted what he described as a “massive” Ukrainian attack. While claiming successful interception, Noskov acknowledged some industrial sites within the region sustained damage.

Elsewhere in Russia, a drone strike in the town of Shatura injured two people, including a nine-year-old child, according to Governor Andrey Vorobyov, who confirmed that the child’s condition had stabilized. These incidents occurred as Ukraine also faced incoming attacks; a Russian strike on the Ukrainian town of Marhanets resulted in the death of a three-month-old baby.

Moscow Seeks Answers Over Potential Arms Transfer

The Russian Foreign Ministry has formally requested clarification from both the United States and Turkey regarding reports of a potential arms transfer to Kyiv. The reported package includes what Moscow describes as a “substantial arsenal” of U.S.-owned weapons and ammunition currently stored in Turkey.

Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned that if the transfer proceeds, it would severely damage Russia’s relations with both Washington and Ankara.

Moscow awaits responses from Washington and Ankara regarding the reported arms shipment as Ukrainian strikes continue to target infrastructure within Russian territory.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.