Ukrainian strikes target Russian oil and energy, intensifying conflict

A series of explosions near an oil depot in the Belgorod region and a fire at the Yeleckaya substation marks the latest Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil and energy facilities, effectively weakening Putin's war machine.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launched drone attacks on a fuel base in Russia's Belgorod region and an electrical substation in the Lipetsk region, as reported on Monday by the Interfax-Ukraine agency, citing informed sources.

Last night, SBU drones targeted the Lipetsk and Belgorod regions, causing fires at the oil warehouses of Oskolneftesnabzhenie near Stary Oskol and the Yeleckaya substation with a capacity of 500 kV - an informant of the agency stated.

The source mentioned that Russian social networks were abuzz with reports of loud explosions near the oil depot in the Belgorod region, and the governor of the Lipetsk region confirmed the fire at the Yeleckaya substation.

An informant for the Interfax-Ukraine agency explained that the Yeleckaya substation supplies power to Russian railways, the Stanova oil pumping station, and ensures electrical transit among the Lipetsk, Oryol, and Bryansk systems.

The Russian industry, supporting the war against Ukraine, will remain a legitimate target for the SBU. Efforts to undermine the military capabilities of the enemy will persist - the agency's source declared.

The Russian Ministry of Defense acknowledged on Monday morning that Ukrainians launched attacks on facilities within Russian territory. The statement referred to the "Kyiv regime" attempting "to conduct terrorist attacks using airplane-type drones and Storm Shadow air missiles.

The Russians reported they intercepted 12 Olkha missiles and 12 drones in the Belgorod region, eight drones in the Kursk region, four Storm Shadow missiles, and seven drones over occupied Crimea. Additionally, Moscow claimed to have shot down four drones over the Lipetsk region.