Lipetsk, Russia – A massive explosion rocked a steel plant in Lipetsk, Russia, following a suspected drone attack, marking the latest in a series of incidents targeting industrial facilities in the country. The fire broke out on the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, adding fuel to the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Recent months have witnessed a surge in drone strikes on energy and military infrastructure in Russia, with Moscow often attributing the attacks to Ukraine. While Kyiv typically refrains from claiming immediate responsibility, Russian forces have retaliated with widespread strikes on Ukrainian civilian targets using drones and missiles.
According to Igor Artamonov, the Lipetsk regional governor, the blaze at the main plant of Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK) on Saturday morning was believed to be caused by a drone. Artamonov did not explicitly point fingers at Kyiv and stated that there were no casualties as a result of the incident.
Social media footage captured the dramatic explosion and subsequent large orange flames, illuminating the night sky after the fire erupted around 1:40 a.m. local time. The NLMK plant, known for its production of flat steel products, constitutes approximately 18% of total Russian steel manufacturing and is a crucial asset for Russian billionaire Vladimir Lisin.
Reports from Ukrainian news outlet TSN suggested that Ukraine’s Security Service and Main Intelligence Directorate had targeted the plant, resulting in a complete evacuation of workers. The destruction of the site, which previously played a role in producing materials for nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, is expected to disrupt the plant’s operations for an extended period.
Amidst escalating tensions, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported intercepting drones over various regions, including the recent incident in Lipetsk. Suspected Ukrainian drone strikes have now expanded to target critical infrastructure deeper within Russian territory, with oil refineries emerging as prime targets.
Previous attacks on Lukoil’s site in Volgograd and the Nevsky Mazut refinery in St. Petersburg have underscored the vulnerability of such facilities to drone strikes. The intensifying conflict has culminated in Russian forces launching Iranian-made attack drones on southern regions of Ukraine, resulting in multiple downed devices.
As the conflict continues to escalate, both Russia and Ukraine remain embroiled in a cycle of retaliatory strikes and military engagements, signaling a deepening crisis in the region.