Russian-Ukrainian Conflict: Russian Forces Target Energy Facilities and Ukraine Responds with Similar Strategy

Recently, Russian forces have been targeting energy installations on Ukrainian territory. In response, Kyiv has adopted a similar strategy to slow down supplies to the Russian military forces in Ukraine. In the past few months, Russian Telegram channels reported a drone attack on an oil refinery in Voronezh, Russia, and on oil and energy installations in two districts of the Smolensk region, which is approximately 400 km from the Ukrainian borders. The regional governor of Voronezh confirmed the attacks.

On the Voronezh side, a fire broke out in a refinery while regional governor Gusev reported that air defense forces successfully shot down four drones. Additionally, an electromechanical factory in the city had been bombed two days prior. Ukrainian drones also launched attacks on oil refineries in the Smolensk region and Voronezh as well as on a factory producing chassis for military equipment.

In addition to these attacks, fires broke out at fuel and energy facilities in two districts of Smolensk after a drone attack. Residents reported that an oil depot was also on fire but the exact extent of damage is still unknown. Last night, drones attacked the Lipetsk tractor factory with local authorities stating that they were shot down. However, residents reported multiple explosions in the city’s industrial zone. The Lipetsk Tractor Plant has been part of Tractor Plants machine-building group since 2004 and produces chassis for military vehicles.