Ukraine launched a series of drone attacks into Russia targeting its energy infrastructure, as reported by Moscow’s Defence Ministry on Saturday. The attacks led to significant consequences, including casualties and damage to critical facilities.
Details of the Drone Attacks
Russian air defenses intercepted and destroyed fifty drones across eight regions bordering Ukraine. In the western Belgorod region, 26 drones were shot down, leading to casualties among civilians, including a pregnant woman and her unborn child.
- A woman and her caretaker were among the victims after a fire started due to explosions during the attack.
- In Dnipro, Ukraine, a residential building was targeted, causing severe damage.
Impact on Russian Energy Infrastructure
While Ukrainian officials typically refrain from commenting on attacks on Russian territory, many of the drone strikes appeared to specifically target Russia’s energy infrastructure. Fires were reported at electrical substations and fuel and energy complexes in various Russian regions, including Kaluga, Bryansk, and Smolensk.
- Vladislav Shapsha, the head of the Kaluga region, reported that a drone attack caused a fire at an electrical substation.
- Fires were also noted at fuel and energy complexes in Bryansk and Smolensk, according to Alexander Bogomaz and Vasily Anokhin, respective governors of these regions.
The Russian Defence Ministry claimed to have shot down a Ukrainian Sukhoi Su-25 fighter jet, although details were not provided and this information could not be independently verified. Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries and oil terminals have intensified in recent months, showcasing Ukraine’s evolving capabilities in drone warfare as it continues to combat Russian aggression.
