A Russian military airbase in Lipetsk Oblast, located about 300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, was struck by Ukrainian drones late Thursday night.
Caused Explosions and Power Outages
The fire that ensued has prompted local authorities to evacuate residents from four nearby villages, as reported by AFP and Russian media.
The attack on the airbase highlights the growing capabilities of Ukraine’s drone technology. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense claims that 75 drones were shot down over Russian territory during the night, with some managing to reach their targets.
The drones reportedly caused explosions and power outages in the region. Ukrainian drones, capable of traveling hundreds of kilometers and carrying significant payloads, include models like the UJ-22 "Airborne" with an 800 km range and kamikaze drones like the Bóbr, which can reach up to 1000 km.
Evacuation and Precautionary Measures
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the interception of the majority of the drones over Lipetsk and Belgorod Oblasts. However, the remaining drones successfully reached their destinations, underscoring the effectiveness of Ukraine's aerial arsenal.
The Lipetsk Oblast governor, Igor Artamonov, has announced the evacuation as a precautionary measure following the attacks. The Russian fire and disaster management agency reported injuries but no significant damage from the explosions.
This incident is part of a broader trend where advanced drone technology is increasingly impacting military strategies and operations.
