Ukrainian forces have launched several missiles at a machinery plant in the Russian city of Lugansk, regional head Leonid Pasechnik has said, adding that the attack damaged civilian infrastructure.
In a statement on Saturday, Pasechnik condemned what he called “yet another despicable” attack by Kiev’s forces on Russian civilian facilities. He noted that the barrage targeted a plant which was set to be launched soon, providing employment for dozens of people.
Nine people have been injured in the strike, including seven machinery plant staff members and two local residents, the regional head said. He added that first responders are working at the scene. According to Pasechnik, the attack also damaged several residential buildings.
TASS reported that several blasts were heard in the city, and that the strike involved at least three missiles. It added, citing a law enforcement source, that preliminary data indicated that two of the projectiles were UK-made Storm Shadow missiles.
The projectiles, which Ukraine first received last year, have a range of over 250km, enabling Kiev to strike Lugansk, which is located relatively far from the front line. The last time Ukraine used Storm Shadows to attack the city was May 2023, when it targeted a local food processing factory and a home goods store, resulting in several wounded.