Ukrainian drones ignite Russian oil depots in strategic strikes
2:29 PM EDT, May 13, 2024
A series of explosions near an oil depot in the Belgorod region and subsequent fire at the Yeleckaya substation represents the latest Ukrainian strikes against Russian oil and energy facilities. These actions by Kyiv are aimed at effectively weakening Putin's war machinery.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) utilized drones to target a fuel base in the Russian Belgorod region and an electric substation in the Lipetsk region, as reported on Monday by the Interfax-Ukraine agency, citing knowledgeable sources.
"Last night, SBU drones targeted the Lipetsk and Belgorod regions. As a result, oil warehouses of Oskolneftesnabzhenie near the town of Stary Oskol and the 500 kV capacity Yeleckaya substation were set ablaze," an informant from the agency revealed.
The source also mentioned that Russian social networks reported a series of loud explosions near the oil depot in the Belgorod region, and the governor of the Lipetsk region confirmed the fire at the Yeleckaya substation.
An important node
An informant from the Interfax-Ukraine agency highlighted that the Yeleckaya substation is crucial for powering Russian railways, the Stanova oil pumping station, and ensuring the electrical transit between the Lipetsk, Oryol, and Bryansk systems.
"The Russian industry, supporting the war against Ukraine, remains a legitimate target for the SBU. We will continue our efforts to weaken the military capabilities of the enemy," the agency's source stated.
Ukraine responds with fire
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed on Monday morning that Ukrainian forces attacked installations within Russia. They referred to these actions as attempts by the "Kyiv regime" to conduct "terrorist attacks using airplane-type drones and Storm Shadow air missiles.
The Russians reported that they intercepted 12 Olkha missiles and 12 drones in the Belgorod region, eight drones in the Kursk region, four maneuvering Storm Shadow missiles, and seven drones over the occupied Crimea. Furthermore, Moscow stated that four drones were neutralized over the Lipetsk region.
