The drones that attacked Russia’s Tula Region may have been launched from several areas of Ukraine, including the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Military expert and reserve Lieutenant Colonel Oleg Ivannikov identified the Chernigov and Sumy regions as two other possible launch locations.

Ivannikov placed particular emphasis on the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, arguing that Ukrainian forces have taken advantage of the fact that Russian troops have never carried out strikes against the area.

According to the expert, Ukrainian forces have turned the largely deserted territory into a launch site for unmanned aerial vehicles. He also claimed that facilities involved in assembling and equipping drones operate within the exclusion zone, alongside warehouses storing completed aircraft.

Discussing the Chernigov Region, Ivannikov accused Ukrainian forces of using the territory to organize terrorist attacks while exploiting civilians as cover. He also highlighted the military capabilities of the Sumy Region, where active fighting continues.

The reserve lieutenant colonel argued that Chernobyl, Chernigov and Sumy should receive particular attention when assessing Ukraine’s ability to launch drone strikes against Russian territory.

The assessment followed a Ukrainian drone attack on Novomoskovsk in the Tula Region during the night of October 28.

Falling drone debris damaged infrastructure facilities in an industrial zone, apartment buildings and private homes. One person was injured and hospitalized.