Synopsis
On January 24, Ukrainian forces conducted drone strikes on oil and microelectronics facilities in western Russia, confirming significant military actions against critical infrastructure. These attacks targeted the Ryazan oil facilities and Kremniy El microchip plant, crucial for weapon production.Key Takeaways
- Ukrainian forces targeted oil and microelectronics facilities in western Russia.
- Drone strikes ignited fires at the Ryazan oil refining company.
- The Kremniy El microchip plant produces components vital for Russian weaponry.
- Moscow's air defense systems engaged to counter the drone attacks.
- No significant damage or casualties reported from the attacks.
Kyiv, Jan 24 (NationPress) Ukrainian forces executed drone strikes targeting oil facilities and a microelectronics plant in western Russia during the night on Friday, as confirmed by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine via Facebook.
The assaults ignited blazes at the operational sites of the Ryazan oil refining company and the Ryazan oil pumping station, according to reports.
Additionally, drones struck the Kremniy El microchip plant located in the Bryansk region, which is crucial for supplying components essential for Russia's armament production.
These components are integral to systems such as the Topol-M and Bulava missile systems, the S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, and various combat aircraft.
The drone operations were carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Special Operations Forces, in conjunction with other military units, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Earlier that day, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin shared on his Telegram channel that the city’s air defense systems were actively working to counter a series of Ukrainian drone attacks in the early hours of Friday.
These drone strikes occurred across several areas surrounding Moscow, including the Kolomna and Ramensky urban districts, where air defense forces successfully intercepted the incoming drones, Sobyanin noted.
Initial assessments indicated no major damage or injuries from falling debris. Emergency response teams were promptly dispatched to the impacted locations, he added.
In the Podolsk urban district, two more drones were downed by air defense systems as they neared Moscow.
Russian forces also neutralized a drone in the Troitsky Administrative District and another in the Shchyolkovo urban district, according to the Mayor’s statement.
As a precaution, temporary restrictions were put in place for aircraft arrivals and departures at Moscow’s Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky airports.
Earlier this week, Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, claimed that Ukraine’s military had targeted a Russian aviation plant in the Smolensk region of western Russia.
Kovalenko stated on Tuesday that the plant is involved in the manufacture of military aircraft, particularly Su-25 attack aircraft, and also handles the maintenance and overhaul of aviation equipment.
"This facility is closely linked to other sectors of the Russian defense industry, supplying components or collaborating to develop modern aviation systems," he noted.
Kovalenko did not reveal the methods employed in the attack.
Separately, reports from Ukrayinska Pravda indicated that drones also targeted an oil depot in Russia's western Voronezh region.
