Statements from the Russian Defense Ministry and corroborating reports from independent military analysts

Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Explosives Plant, Lipetsk Airfield 900km Away

Oct 20, 2024, 08:32 AM

Ukraine launched a series of drone attacks deep into Russian territory overnight, reaching as far as 900 kilometers from the front lines, targeting military and industrial facilities in multiple regions. According to reports, Ukrainian drones struck the Sverdlov explosives plant in Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod region, one of Russia's largest manufacturers of military explosives, including aviation and artillery shells, aerial bombs, and warheads for missiles and air defense systems. The Ukrainian General Staff also confirmed strikes on the Lipetsk-2 military airfield in the Lipetsk region, which houses advanced Russian aircraft such as Su-34, Su-35, and MiG-31 fighter jets. The attacks targeted ammunition depots, fuel and lubricant storage areas, and aviation equipment at the airfield. Russian authorities reported that more than 100 Ukrainian drones were launched overnight, with the Russian Defense Ministry stating that air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 110 drones over several regions, including Kursk, where 43 drones were shot down, and other regions such as Lipetsk, Bryansk, Oryol, and Belgorod. Moscow's mayor reported that air defenses shot down a drone over Moscow's Ramenskoye district, with no casualties or damage. In addition, Ukrainian forces reportedly shot down a modern Russian Orion reconnaissance and strike UAV in Russia's Kursk region, using the Strela-10 air defense system.