A Ukrainian drone attack on Thursday struck multiple sites in Russia’s Lipetsk region, including the Energia plant in Yelets, a key supplier of batteries for Russian missiles and drones.
According to Ukraine’s General Staff, the Unmanned Systems Forces, in coordination with other defense units, carried out the precision strike on the plant to disrupt Russia’s military production.
Regional governor Igor Artamonov confirmed that a fire broke out in the parking lot of a facility in Yelets following the attack. Russian news outlet ASTRA shared videos showing the aftermath of the attack.
Energia plant in Russia’s Yelets hit by drone for the second time in three months. Damage footage confirmed and geolocated by ASTRA
The plant manufactures batteries for drones, aircraft, and naval use.
Eyewitness footage shows a drone striking the asphalt near the facility and… pic.twitter.com/uOavLJG6P6
— ASTRA (@ASTRA_PRESS) July 3, 2025
The strike reportedly caused the Yelets facility to halt its operations indefinitely, Ukrainian officials confirmed. “Production has been halted. The results of the strike are being clarified,” the statement said.
Energia manufactures lithium-ion and mercury-zinc batteries for Iskander-M missiles, Kinzhal hypersonic weapons, cruise missiles, and aerial bombs equipped with Universal Gliding and Correction Modules (UMPK).
It also produces electrochemical capacitors and power units for aircraft, drones, and naval systems.
This is the second reported Ukrainian strike on Energia, following a similar operation on May 23.
