Ukrainian drones conducted a massive overnight strike deep within Russian territory, targeting industrial sites, chemical plants and ammunition depots, according to reports.
A source in Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent that chemical plants, refineries, and a weapons depot at the Engels Air Base were successfully targeted.
The Engels Air Base houses Russia’s strategic bomber fleet, including the Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers. These aircraft have been instrumental in Russian cruise missile attacks on Ukraine.
According to Saratov Governor Roman Busargin, two industrial facilities in Engels also sustained damage from a drone strike. He did not provide additional details but according to Ukraine’s General Staff, the Kristal oil facility in Engels, which burned for five days following a previous strike on January 8, was successfully targeted once again.
The strike in Engels prompted authorities to shift schools to remote learning and impose temporary flight restrictions in several nearby regions, including Kazan, Penza, and Ulyanovsk.
A day after Russians spent a week putting out fires that consumed 20% of the 800,000 ton fuel storage depots at Engels airfield, Ukraine hits it again.
Now burning, among many other oil and gas facilities around Russia this morning. pic.twitter.com/gb8af22nur
— Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) January 14, 2025
Ukrainian drones also reportedly hit multiple regions, including Bryansk, Saratov, Tula, and Tatarstan. The Bryansk Chemical Plant, which produces munitions components, was among the damaged sites, according to Ukraine’s General Staff.
🔥The Bryansk plant in russia is apparently under missile strikes.
They’ve lost count of how many explosions have occurred there. pic.twitter.com/2jCl5zbyc4
— Maria Drutska 🇺🇦 (@maria_drutska) January 13, 2025
In Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, a fuel facility was struck, setting a gas tank ablaze. According to an SBU source, the Aleksino chemical plant, which manufactures gunpowder and ammunition for the Russian military, was also successfully targeted, resulting in a large fire.
Russian media described the operation as one of the largest Ukrainian drone and missile offensives to date.
1/ 🧵 Ukraine’s largest strike on Russian soil yet hit critical military and strategic targets deep within Russia, from Bryansk to Tatarstan. Here’s what happened and why it matters: pic.twitter.com/2Dl4NsLYDK
— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) January 14, 2025
According to reports, Russia intercepted over 200 drones and multiple missiles, including U.S.-supplied ATACMS ballistic missiles and British Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The drones involved in the strikes reportedly include the PD-2, Beaver, Liutyi, and UJ-22 models, capable of long-range operations and carrying significant payloads of explosives.
Ukraine has neither officially confirmed nor denied the specific details of the strikes but has acknowledged its efforts to disrupt Russian military operations. The Ukrainian Center for Strategic Communication called the attacks a direct measure to hinder Russian air raids on Ukrainian cities.
