Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks overnight on the Lipetsk Oblast region, with reports suggesting that the Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK) plant, Russia’s largest steel mill, was among the key targets. This is the latest attack in an ongoing escalation of Ukrainian drones targeting Russian infrastructure in 2025.
According to Russian media, the drones targeted NLMK, which produces approximately 20% of Russia’s total steel output. The facility, located 400 kilometers from the Russia-Ukraine border, is responsible for 80% of NLMK’s production and is a critical industrial asset owned by billionaire Vladimir Lisin, Russia’s third-richest person on Forbes’ 2023 list.
There has been no official confirmation of direct damage to the steel plant. However, power outages were reported across several districts in Lipetsk following the attack. Governor Igor Artamonov stated that electricity was being restored.
Debris from one of the intercepted drones reportedly fell on the Lipetsk aeration station, injuring an employee who was hospitalized with shrapnel wounds.
Russian MoD claims 83 drones downed
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that 83 drones were intercepted overnight, with the following breakdown:
- 37 over Bryansk Oblast
- 12 each over Kursk and Lipetsk Oblasts
- 9 over Tver Oblast
- 3 each over Belgorod, Kaluga, Smolensk, and Voronezh Oblasts
The extent of any successful strikes remains unclear and unverified.
Part of Ukraine’s expanding drone warfare?
The attack follows a strike on February 3, that reportedly targeted an oil refinery in Volgograd and a gas processing plant in Astrakhan, according to a Ukrainian Security Service source speaking to The Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine has ramped up its long-range drone campaign in recent months, striking critical energy and industrial facilities deep inside Russia. These attacks aim to disrupt Moscow’s war machine, though the long-term impact on Russia’s industrial and military infrastructure remains a subject of debate.
Post Image – A worker at the NLMK steel mill (Post Image Credit: Viktor Macha)
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