Inside Russia’s suicide drone factories as Putin ramps up weapon production to pound Ukraine

WorldPolitics
21 Jul 2025 • 5:00 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

Inside Russia’s suicide drone factories, production of Shahed drones is being rapidly increased as Vladimir Putin steps up efforts to intensify attacks on Ukraine with expanded weapon supplies.

A Russian state TV report, which aired on Sunday, July 20, offered a rare look inside a major factory in Tatarstan that produces Russian versions of Iran’s Shahed-136 drones.

The propaganda broadcast showed matte black Geran-2 drones, highlighting their role in the conflict.

Hours after the report, Russia launched at least 57 drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, killing at least one person — despite Kremlin claims that Putin remains open to peace talks.