Russia reports drone downed in Yelets industrial zone after new attack
Photo: Energiya plant in Yelets possibly hit by drones again (Russian media)
In Russia’s Lipetsk region, air defenses were active and explosions were heard overnight on May 24 amid reports of another "massive drone raid." The Energiya plant in the city of Yelets may have been targeted again, according to Lipetsk region Governor Igor Artamonov.
Authorities in the Lipetsk region warned of a drone attack threat shortly after 3 AM.
By around 5 AM, a "red level" drone threat was declared for the city of Yelets and the Terbunsky, Zadonsky, Khlevensky, Lebedyansky, and Dankovsky municipal districts.
Meanwhile, local social media reported explosions heard near both Lipetsk and Yelets. Russian media also shared footage showing a helicopter flying over Yelets.
In the morning, the regional governor reported that air defense systems were active in Lipetsk and Yelets. According to him, "drones fell in the industrial zone of Yelets."
"According to preliminary information, there are no casualties. Emergency services are working on-site. The drone attack threat remains!" the Russian official said.
Reports of another strike on Energiya plant
Russian outlet Astra, citing local residents of Yelets, reports that on the night of May 24, there was another airstrike on the Energiya plant, which had already suffered drone strikes a day earlier, on May 23.
This enterprise specializes in the production of chemical power sources, and its products are widely used across various sectors, including the defense industry, civil aviation, maritime transport, and the energy sector.
According to Russian media, as a result of the attack, "one of the workshops caught fire, and nine employees of the enterprise were injured."
Previous airstrike in Lipetsk region and damage to Energiya plant
On May 23, Russia reported an alleged massive drone attack on several regions, including Lipetsk.
Local channels wrote that drones struck the Energiya plant in Yelets, which produces batteries and accumulators for drones. It was also reported that a fire broke out at the enterprise following the air attack.
Earlier, the Ukrainian Center for Counteracting Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council reported that the important Energiya plant for the Russian military-industrial complex had suspended operations after the attack.
On May 23, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed that the Ukrainian Defense Forces attacked the Energiya plant in Yelets, Lipetsk region. The plant manufactures components for rockets, bombs, and special equipment used by Russian forces.
