The Lipetsk region in Russia has experienced a significant Ukrainian drone attack, as reported by its governor. This incident highlights the ongoing cross-border confrontations between Ukraine and Russia.
Governor Igor Artamonov announced on Friday that the attack resulted in injuries to at least nine people and caused damage to energy infrastructure. As a precaution, residents in several areas have been temporarily evacuated.
This attack follows a recent accusation from Russia that Ukrainian forces had crossed into its Kursk region. This was the first reported incursion of this nature from Ukraine, creating new challenges for Moscow in a region that had previously been relatively unaffected by the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the offensive on Thursday, emphasizing that Russia should experience the repercussions of its invasion of Ukraine. He stated that Russia needs to “feel” the consequences of its actions, although he did not specifically mention the recent assault.
According to a Ukrainian source familiar with the Lipetsk attack, the drones targeted an airfield in the region, destroying an ammunition depot containing over 700 guided bombs. The operation reportedly involved Ukrainian military, security services, and special forces. The source also noted that dozens of fighter jets and helicopters were on the airfield during the attack, which caused a large explosion and subsequent fire. The emergency ministry in Lipetsk also reported a fire at a military airfield in the region.
Governor Artamonov criticized the drone attack on civilians, particularly in Kursk and Belgorod, and vowed not to be intimidated. He emphasized the need to protect residents while refusing to capitulate.
Russia’s defense ministry reported intercepting and destroying 75 drones, including 19 over Lipetsk, 26 over Belgorod, seven over Kursk, and others over Bryansk, Voronezh, and Orel. The ministry also claimed to have downed five drones over Crimea and eight over the Black Sea.
The continued Ukrainian assaults indicate a persistent and escalating conflict. While there have been sporadic attacks by pro-Ukrainian Russian nationals and airstrikes targeting the Belgorod border region, the recent incursion represents the first time that regular Ukrainian forces have entered Russian territory.
US and Ukrainian officials suggest that these actions are partly aimed at diverting Russian forces from the eastern front and disrupting Russian morale. It is believed that Ukraine does not intend to permanently occupy Russian territory.
Residents in Kursk have reported intense battles and have appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin for assistance. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to Zelensky, praised the Western response to the attacks, noting that there is a general understanding and support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself. However, some Western officials remain concerned about potential escalations.
Peter Stanno, the EU foreign affairs spokesperson, reaffirmed Ukraine’s right to defend itself, including taking action against aggressors on its territory. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that Ukraine must determine its own strategies.