Ukrainian Special Forces Conduct Drone Strikes on Russian Energy Facilities, Insider Reports
Reports indicate that Ukrainian special forces carried out drone attacks on multiple Russian regions, striking a fuel depot and power substations. The attacks, conducted with long-range drones, occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning as per a statement from a Ukrainian special services insider.
Ukraine used long-range strike drones to attack eight Russian regions early Saturday morning. The target was a fuel depot and power substations, as reported by a Ukrainian special services source.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the overnight attacks, which are part of Moscow's renewed effort to disrupt Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The goal is to leave Ukrainian citizens in darkness, using the freezing temperatures as a weapon of war.
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The Russian Defense Ministry has reported that numerous Ukrainian drones were detected in several regions including Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Tula, Smolensk, Ryazan, Kaluga, and even Moscow. According to the source, three power substations and a fuel storage facility were damaged and caught fire in the attacks.
These incidents were stated to be part of a coordinated effort involving the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Defence Intelligence, and the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The main target of the attacks was the energy infrastructure supplying Russian military-industrial facilities, resulting in disruptions to power and water supply in some areas.
Video circulating on social media displayed the aftermath of drone strikes on a fuel depot in Russia's Smolensk region, causing a fire in the early hours of the morning.
Smolensk regional governor Vasiliy Anokhin wrote on Telegram that there was an attempted attack by Ukrainian UAVs on a fuel and energy facility in Kardymovsky district around 2 a.m. Air defense forces successfully took down the aerial devices, and information on casualties is currently being confirmed.
UKRAINKA, UKRAINE - APRIL 11: An aerial view of the destroyed engine room of Trypilska Thermal Power Plant (TPP) after rocket fire on April 11, 2024 in Ukrainka, Kiev district, Ukraine. After a Russian missile attack on Thursday night, Trypilska Thermal Power Plant (TPP), Ukraine's largest power-generating plant in the Kyiv region, was reported completely destroyed. It supplied electricity to the regions of Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr. No power cuts occurred in Kyiv or other supplied regions. Trypilska TPP was a 1800 MW thermal power station in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, built by the USSR in 1969 and completed in 1977. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the station was permanently disabled on April 11, 2024 after Russian missiles set fire to the main turbine hall. (Photo by Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)
On April 11, 2024, the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant (TPP) in Ukrainka, Kiev district, Ukraine, was left in ruins after being hit by rocket fire. This power plant was the largest in the Kyiv region and supplied electricity to Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr. Despite the destruction of the engine room, there were no reported power cuts in Kyiv or the surrounding areas. The Trypilska TPP was a significant 1800 MW thermal power station built by the USSR in 1969 and completed in 1977. Sadly, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the station was permanently disabled on April 11, 2024, when Russian missiles caused a devastating fire in the main turbine hall.
Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images
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Russia is attempting to disrupt Ukraine's power grid with new tactics. Anokhin reported that debris from a UAV caused a fire in a fuel tank, prompting a response from Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations.
The governor of Smolensk shared in a post that air defenses successfully defended against another UAV attack on the regional center on Saturday morning. The Russian Defense Ministry also announced that they intercepted a drone over the Smolensk region. Additionally, they mentioned that their air defense systems have intercepted or destroyed a total of 50 Ukrainian drones in the past day.
Aleksandr Bogomaz, the governor of Bryansk, Russia, revealed on Saturday that a Ukrainian UAV crash led to a fire at an energy infrastructure facility.
In a Telegram update, Bogomaz stated that fire and rescue teams from PJSC Rosseti are on-site, working to maintain a steady power supply for consumers.
Smoke billows after Ukraine's SBU drone strikes a refinery, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ryazan, Ryazan Region, Russia, in this screen grab from a video obtained by Reuters, March 13, 2024.
A refinery in Ryazan, Ryazan Region, Russia, was hit by a drone strike launched by Ukraine's SBU during Russia's attack on Ukraine. The aftermath of the attack can be seen in the billowing smoke captured in a screen grab from a video obtained by Reuters on March 13, 2024.
Video footage captured by Reuters shows Ukraine launching drone attacks deep inside Russian territory in recent months. These attacks have been targeting key energy infrastructure such as oil refineries, terminals, and airfields. Following strikes on three refineries in mid-March, a Ukrainian defense source revealed to CNN that Ukraine is strategically aiming to weaken Russian economic power through these targeted attacks.
The use of drones with longer ranges and advanced capabilities has enabled the attacks. Some drones now have basic artificial intelligence to help them navigate and avoid being jammed, according to a source close to Ukraine's drone program, as reported by CNN.
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 18: The U.S. Capitol dome is seen during The MomsRising.org Toddlers' Choice Awards on Capitol Hill on April 18, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for MomsRising.org)
The U.S. Capitol dome was visible on April 18, 2024, during The MomsRising.org Toddlers' Choice Awards on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for MomsRising.org)
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The situation on Ukraine's eastern front has deteriorated significantly, according to the military's top commander Oleksandr Syrskyi. This information is supported by video evidence, analysts, and interviews conducted by CNN with Ukrainian soldiers.
Ukrainians are eagerly awaiting a crucial vote in the US House of Representatives on Saturday. The vote could potentially release nearly $61 billion in military aid for the country. Frontline troops are currently facing challenges, either withdrawing from key terrain or being targeted from the air while trying to defend important towns.
The proposed budget includes around $23 billion to restock US weapons, stockpiles, and facilities. Additionally, over $11 billion would support ongoing US military activities in the region. Furthermore, nearly $14 billion is allocated to assist Ukraine in purchasing advanced weapons systems and other defense equipment.
Editor's P/S:
The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to take a heavy toll on both sides, with Russia's relentless attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The use of long
