Ukraine confirms strike on Russian factory making parts for Iskander ballistic missiles, glide bombs
Editor's note: The story was updated with additional information reported by Ukraine's General Staff.
Ukraine has confirmed a strike on an industrial zone in the city of Yelets in Russia's Lipetsk Oblast overnight on May 23, that hit a factory making parts for Russian weapons including Iskander ballistic missiles.
"The target was hit... and a series of explosions were recorded," Ukraine's General Staff said in a post on social media, adding: "A fire broke out on the territory of the facility."
It said the factory— which is under U.S. and EU sanctions — is Russia's "only manufacturer of batteries for glide and correction modules installed on aircraft bombs," and also produces parts for ballistic and cruise missiles.
"The shutdown of the Energia public company may leave some of the Russian occupiers' military equipment and weapons without critical batteries," the General Staff said.
The extent of the damage to the factory was still being assessed, it added.
The General Staff did not specify what type of weapon was used in the attack, but earlier on May 23 Lipetsk Oblast Governor Igor Artamonov said Ukrainian drones were behind the attack.
Videos on social media purported to show blasts and fires following the strikes.
Artamonov said that drone debris fell on a residential building in Yelets, injuring eight people.
The Kyiv Independent could not verify the reports.
Ukraine regularly launches drone attacks against Russian military and industrial facilities in the rear to undermine Russia's ability to wage its all-out war.
In recent weeks, Kyiv has stepped up its drone attacks on Russia, sending hundreds of drones flying toward Moscow. While no direct hits have been reported, the attacks have caused temporary closures of multiple airports.
According to Russia's Defense Ministry, Russian air defenses have downed 112 Ukrainian drones overnight on May 23, including 24 over Moscow and one over Lipetsk oblasts.
Tim Zadorozhnyy
