Ukrainian special forces launched large-scale drone attacks across Russia, targeting oil and industry facilities in Russia’s Ryazan region in south-east of Moscow and Bryansk region in the early hours of Friday.
An Oil Refining Company was hit in Ryazan. A video posted on social media showed residents running from a burning building after the drone attack. The Ryazan governor, Pavel Markov, said air defence units destroyed the drones and that emergency crews were handing the aftermath of the attack. In addition, Moscow mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said air defences intercepted attacks by Ukrainian drones at four locations around Russia’s capital and more drones headed for the capital.
The General Staff of Ukrainian Armed Forces said the operation was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Special Operations Forces, in cooperation with other units of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
Another targeted facility was the Kremniy El microelectronics plant in Bryansk. According to the General Staff, the plant is key enterprise of Russia’s microelectronics industry. The plant produces a wide range of microcircuits and components used in strategic weapons systems, including the Topol-M and Bulava nuclear-capable missile systems, the S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as in the on-board electronics of combat aircraft.
Overall, 120 Ukrainian UAV drones were hit across Russian regions on the night leading to Friday, Russian authorities reported. The strikes resulted in damage to industrial, oil, and energy facilities, as well as disrupting airport operations.
