Ukrainian drone strikes have reportedly targeted industrial and energy facilities across at least seven Russian regions, causing explosions, fires, and air travel disruptions.
(Moscow) – Reports of widespread drone strikes have emerged from at least seven Russian regions, including Saratov, Voronezh, Oryol, Tula, and Tatarstan, in a coordinated attack targeting industrial and energy infrastructure. Explosions and fires were reported late on January 13 and into the early hours of January 14, highlighting the escalating intensity of cross-border operations.
According to both Ukrainian and Russian Telegram channels, the drones involved were allegedly Ukrainian-made “Liutyi” models, long-range unmanned aerial vehicles capable of striking targets up to 1,000 kilometres away. These drones have been credited with numerous successful attacks on Russian oil refineries, fuel depots, and strategic facilities.
In Saratov’s Engels region, an industrial facility was reportedly damaged in the strikes. Governor Roman Busargin stated there were no injuries, though the extent of the damage remains unclear. Telegram channel “Beware, News” claimed an oil depot was hit twice, causing it to catch fire. This same facility had been attacked just days earlier, with firefighting efforts stretching over several days.
| Location | Reported Incident | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Saratov (Engels) | Industrial facility targeted | Oil depot reportedly hit twice; no injuries reported |
| Tatarstan (Kazan) | Liquefied natural gas storage facility on fire | One Gazprom storage tank damaged |
| Bryansk | Chemical plant struck | Explosives-producing facility targeted |
| Oryol | 17 drones intercepted | No injuries or damage |
| Tula | Drone debris damage in Aleksin | Cars and outbuildings affected |
In Kazan, Tatarstan, drones struck a liquefied natural gas storage facility owned by Gazprom. While local reports suggested multiple storage tanks were aflame, officials confirmed that only one was affected. The Kazanorgsintez chemical plant, initially rumoured to be a target, was later reported to be unharmed. Tatarstan’s leader, Rustam Minnikhanov, visited the site and declared there were “no casualties or significant damage.”
The Bryansk region also faced a significant assault. Governor Alexander Bogomaz claimed that Russian air defences intercepted a “combined missile strike” with no reported injuries. Telegram channels, however, shared accounts of explosions at the Bryansk Chemical Plant, which produces explosives. Witnesses reported hearing up to 30 explosions and seeing flashes over the city.
In the Oryol region, 17 drones were intercepted without causing damage. Similarly, in Voronezh, drones were destroyed with no reported injuries or impact on infrastructure. In Tula’s Aleksin city, drone debris damaged cars and outbuildings.
The attacks also disrupted air travel. At 6:30 a.m. Moscow time, the Federal Air Transport Agency imposed flight restrictions at airports in Kazan, Kaluga, Saratov, and Tambov. While restrictions in Kaluga and Tambov were lifted quickly, new restrictions were introduced at airports in Penza and Ulyanovsk.
Russia’s Defence Ministry has yet to release an official statement on the incidents.
External Videos: Explosions and Fires Sweep Through Russian Regions
