(Moscow) – Ukrainian forces have intensified drone attacks deep within Russian territory, targeting ammunition depots, drone manufacturing facilities, and fuel infrastructure, with significant damage reported across multiple regions.
Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes targeting critical Russian military and industrial infrastructure, striking deep within Russian territory. Key targets included a weapons arsenal in Novgorod Oblast and a manufacturing plant in Belgorod Oblast that reportedly produces cargo drones for the Russian military.
Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, confirmed the attacks. According to Kovalenko, a fire broke out at the EFKO plant in Belgorod Oblast, which ostensibly produces food products such as mayonnaise and yogurt but also manufactures drones used for Russian military operations. A video shared by Kovalenko showed the facility engulfed in flames.
Simultaneously, in Novgorod Oblast near the village of Kotovo, Ukrainian drones reportedly hit a significant Russian military arsenal approximately 680 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. This arsenal is said to store a wide range of munitions, including Iskander missiles, KN23 missiles, and S-300 and S-400 air defense missiles. While Russian authorities acknowledged drone activity, they did not confirm direct damage to the facility.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 44 Ukrainian drones across nine regions in the overnight attacks. A breakdown of the interceptions includes:
| Region | Number of Drones Intercepted |
|---|---|
| Novgorod Oblast | 20 |
| Kursk Oblast | 5 |
| Oryol Oblast | 4 |
| Belgorod Oblast | 3 |
| Tula Oblast | 3 |
| Tver Oblast | 3 |
| Bryansk Oblast | 2 |
| Moscow Oblast | 2 |
| Smolensk Oblast | 2 |
The strikes occurred shortly after the United States authorized Ukraine to use its long-range ATACMS missiles to target Russian military sites. On November 19, Ukraine used these missiles to strike a strategic ammunition depot in Bryansk Oblast, marking the first recorded use of ATACMS on Russian territory.
Ukraine has escalated its long-range drone and missile attacks, aiming at critical fuel and ammunition depots within Russia. These attacks have disrupted Russian military supply lines, particularly affecting artillery and air defense capabilities.
The EFKO plant targeted in Belgorod Oblast is reportedly part of Russia’s growing investment in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production, with 40 billion rubles (approximately $398 million) allocated last year. Additionally, reports indicate that Ukraine struck an oil refinery in Nizhny Novgorod, one of Russia’s largest, forcing its closure.
In a separate attack, drones reportedly targeted the GRAU arsenal in Novgorod Oblast, near Kotovo. While specific details on the damage remain unclear, reports suggest the facility housed advanced missiles and other munitions critical to Russian military operations.
Ukraine’s intensified campaign highlights its ability to disrupt critical Russian infrastructure and demonstrates a significant evolution in its long-range strike capabilities.