MOSCOW: Russia accused Ukraine of launching a large-scale drone attack, targeting key energy infrastructure overnight. Moscow officials said 104 drones were involved in raids in western Russia, hitting oil and power facilities. The Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant, a significant energy source in northwest Russia, was one of the reported targets. Ukrainian forces continue their efforts to disrupt Russian energy supplies through similar tactics.
Details of the Smolensk Plant Attack
Russian authorities confirmed that air defences shot down one of the drones trying to strike the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant. Governor Vasily Anokhin stated there were no casualties or damage to the facility. Despite the attempted attack, the plant was reported as operational. This incident is part of an ongoing aerial assault on Russia’s energy infrastructure.
Widespread Damage and Fire in Nizhny Novgorod
The massive drone strike led to a fire at a major oil refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region. This facility belongs to Sibur, a key player in the Russian petrochemical industry. The fire reportedly erupted about 500 miles from the Ukrainian border, highlighting the breadth of the drone assault. Russian air defences reportedly intercepted and destroyed drones across nine different regions during this wave of attacks.
Drone Strikes and Cross-Border Conflict
Ukraine and Russia have escalated drone and missile exchanges, particularly targeting energy infrastructure as winter sets in. Russian reports confirmed nearly half of the drones destroyed were over the Kursk region. Ukrainian troops have held villages in Kursk for months, after making a significant incursion earlier in the conflict. The continued strikes highlight the ongoing intensity of the conflict and military objectives on both sides.
Concerns Over a Potential Nuclear Disaster
The exchange of strikes, especially near nuclear facilities, raises fears of a potential nuclear disaster. Although the main international concerns focus on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant in Ukraine, Russia’s nuclear assets are also vulnerable. Both Ukrainian and Russian authorities have consistently targeted energy infrastructure during the winter months. The proximity of fighting to nuclear facilities only increases the tension surrounding the risks of this ongoing war.
Ukraine Hits Back with Its Own Drone Strikes
As reports emerged of Russia’s drone strike on Ukrainian territory, Ukraine’s forces responded with their own offensive operations. The Ukrainian military claimed to have launched an overnight drone attack on Russian positions. This incident triggered air alerts across multiple regions, further deepening the sense of insecurity. Ukrainian authorities also reported debris from a destroyed Russian drone landing near Kyiv’s metro stations.
Targeting the Odesa Region and Other Strategic Sites
Among Ukraine’s targeted areas was a port in the Odesa region, vital to Russia’s maritime operations. The ongoing air strikes and drone campaigns demonstrate the increasing use of aerial warfare to disrupt essential infrastructure on both sides. Russian and Ukrainian officials continue to blame each other for escalating tensions with little hope for peace talks. Both governments have refused to make significant concessions, and the attacks continue with mounting intensity.