Ukraine confirms strike on Russian plant producing missile and bomb parts
Illustrative photo: Ukraine attacked the Russian Energia plant (Getty Images)
Ukrainian troops attacked the Energia plant in the city of Yelets, Lipetsk region. The plant manufactures components for Russian missiles, bombs, and special equipment, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"On the night of May 23, units of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in coordination with other components of the Defense Forces, struck PJSC Energia in the city of Yelets, Lipetsk region," the statement reads.
A hit in the target area has been confirmed, and a series of explosions was recorded. A fire broke out on the premises of the facility.
Why the plant is important
The Energia plant is one of the largest producers of chemical power sources in Russia. The facility is the only Russian manufacturer of batteries for gliding and correction modules that are installed on aerial bombs.
The plant also manufactures batteries for the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system, sea-launched cruise missiles, and a number of universal batteries used in the power supply systems of special equipment.
"The shutdown of PJSC Energia may leave part of the military equipment and weapons of the Russian occupiers without critically important power supply elements," the General Staff emphasized.
Explosions in the Lipetsk region
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that as of 8 p.m. on May 22, 112 drones had allegedly been shot down over 12 Russian regions and occupied Crimea.
The Russians stated that the Lipetsk region was attacked by drones, which struck the Energia plant in the city of Yelets, where batteries and accumulators for drones are manufactured.
As a result of the strike, a fire broke out at the facility. All employees were evacuated. Residents claim they heard more than ten explosions in the sky.
Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation said that the important plant of the Russian military-industrial complex is suspending operations following the attack.
