Ukrainian drone strikes have aggressively targeted Russian distilleries, linked to military supplies in a significant move that underscores the ongoing conflict’s escalation.
At a Glance
- Ukraine drones targeted four distilleries in Russia, reportedly used for military purposes.
- The attacks took place early on October 22 in the Tula, Tambov, and Voronezh regions.
- Distilleries serve dual purposes by providing alcohol products and military fuel and explosives.
- The strikes highlight Ukraine’s strategic ambition to disrupt Russian military capabilities.
Targeted Operations in Russia
Ukraine’s tactical drone operations targeted Russian distilleries on October 22, 2023. These sites, located in the Tula and Tambov regions and the Novokhopersky district of the Voronezh region, were struck due to their alleged involvement in the production of military supplies. The targeted distilleries include those in Efremov and Luzhkovsky in the Tula region and in the Novokhopersky of Voronezh, notably the largest distillery in the region.
The strategic choice of these targets reflects a broader military strategy by Ukraine to weaken Russia’s logistics support. According to reports, these distilleries also produce alcohol products used for explosives, crucial in fueling the Russian military engine.
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A number of regions of russia were attacked by drones on October 22 , hitting several thermal power plants and distilleries. Although the latter actually produced not only alcohol, but also fuel for the military needs of the aggressor countryhttps://t.co/u1Yb10yC9p— Lew Anno Suport#Israel #Ukraine 24/2-22 (@anno1540) October 22, 2024
Impact and Reactions
The strikes, which resulted in no reported casualties, punctuate a period of heightened use of unmanned drone technology in the conflict. While efforts are underway to contain the situation, local emergency services are actively managing the aftermath, with the situation under control at the time being, according to Dmitry Milyaev.
“The premises of the Yefremov distillery and the distillery in the village of Luzhkovsky, Suvorov district, were damaged. Early reports say that there were no casualties. Emergency services are working at the scene. The situation is under control,” Milyaev reported.
“UAVs were suppressed in the skies over Lipetsk and the Lipetsk Moscow Region. Special services are working at the site of the fall of the wreckage,” Igor Artamonov, the Governor of Lipetsk, added.
The strikes are part of a broader aim to target Russian industrial plants supporting military efforts. Previous drone activity, reported near Moscow on October 20, showcases the continuing tactical pattern. Despite these strikes, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have repelled several drones, indicating the high stakes of drone warfare within this conflict.
Ukraine attacks refineries in Russia
Ukrainian drones reportedly attacked several Russian distilleries and alcohol-producing facilities overnight on 22 October, damaging facilities across three regions of Russia, as per Russian officials and media reports.
RFE/RL reports that… pic.twitter.com/GMJgX3miyl
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) October 22, 2024
With Ukraine now targeting Russian territory, this war is getting out of hand – and quickly.
How long until it becomes WWIII?