Ukraine launched a significant drone strike on Russia’s Lipetsk region, marking an escalation in the ongoing cross-border conflict. According to Lipetsk Governor Igor Artamonov, the attack, described as “massive,” resulted in injuries to at least nine people and caused significant damage to energy infrastructure. Residents in several areas were temporarily evacuated as a precaution.
This assault follows closely on the heels of an earlier incident in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops reportedly crossed the border—an unprecedented move that has brought the war to previously unaffected areas of Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the ongoing offensive, stating, “Russia brought the war to our land, and it should feel the consequences of its actions.”
A source within Ukraine, familiar with the Lipetsk operation, disclosed that the drone strike targeted an airfield, leading to the destruction of an ammunition depot containing over 700 guided bombs. The operation involved Ukraine’s military, security services, and special forces. The attack reportedly caused a massive explosion, setting off a large fire at the site, which was confirmed by Lipetsk’s emergency ministry.
Governor Artamonov expressed defiance in response to the attacks, stating, “The enemy is targeting civilians in Kursk and Belgorod. Today, our region was massively attacked by drones. We will not be frightened or give in, but we will take every measure to protect our people.”
Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have intercepted and destroyed 75 drones across several regions, including 19 over Lipetsk. The attack underscores Ukraine’s persistent pressure on Russian territory, extending beyond the frequent strikes on border regions like Belgorod to deeper incursions.
Analysts suggest that Ukraine’s strategy may be aimed at diverting Russian forces from the eastern front, where they have been launching assaults on Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. While the intention may not be to hold Russian territory, the incursions serve to disrupt and demoralize Russian forces.
Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak praised the international response, noting that the global community increasingly views Russia as a legitimate target for such operations. He added that the response from the West has been “calm, balanced, and based on an understanding of the principles of defensive warfare.”
The European Union and U.S. officials have reiterated Ukraine’s right to defend itself, with EU foreign affairs spokesperson Peter Stano stating, “Ukraine has the legal right to defend itself, including striking an aggressor on its territory.” The U.S. State Department echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Ukraine must determine its tactics in the ongoing conflict.
