Ukrainian strike drones launched an overnight offensive on 28 June, targeting the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant in Lipetsk, Russia. This strategic attack involved seven drones and resulted in considerable damage to the plant's oxygen separation unit and oxygen station. No casualties were reported. The strike is part of a broader pattern of Ukrainian drone operations aimed at Russian oil refineries and depots across various regions.
The Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant, Russia's largest steel mill and the 17th largest globally, has been previously targeted. In February, a fire broke out at the plant, which was initially attributed to technical failure but later confirmed to have been caused by a drone attack. Lipetsk Region Governor Igor Artamonov reported this incident, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to such assaults.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acknowledged the effectiveness of these drone operations. The Security Service of Ukraine has successfully targeted over 30 oil refineries, terminals, and depots in Russia, demonstrating a sustained effort to disrupt Russian industrial and energy capabilities.
Military intelligence chief Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov noted in a recent interview that while these drone strikes might not be decisive in the war, they inflict substantial economic and psychological impacts. The consistent targeting of vital industrial sites underlines Ukraine’s strategic approach to weakening Russia's war machinery through precision strikes on its economic lifelines.
