Ukrainian Drone Attack Hits Novolipetsk Steel, Russia’s Largest Steel Mill
On the night of February 13, 2025, Russia’s Lipetsk Oblast was hit by what authorities described as a "massive raid" involving drones. The primary target was Novolipetsk Steel, the largest steel mill in Russia. This facility is crucial to the Russian steel industry, producing approximately 20% of the country's total steel output. Located about 400 kilometers from the Russia-Ukraine border, NLMK accounts for 80% of the steel production from its parent company, which is owned by billionaire Vladimir Lisin, ranked as the third richest individual in Russia according to Forbes in 2023.
The Attack's Impact
The scale of the raid has drawn attention not just because of the potential damage to Russia’s steel industry, but also because of its far-reaching consequences. Reports indicate that the attack led to power outages across several districts of Lipetsk. Governor Igor Artamonov confirmed the power disruption and stated that efforts were underway to reconnect affected consumers. Furthermore, one of the downed drones reportedly caused damage at the Lipetsk aeration station, resulting in an injury to an employee who was hospitalized due to shrapnel wounds.
While the specifics of the damage to Novolipetsk Steel remain unclear, it is widely regarded as one of the most strategically important industrial facilities in Russia. Its disruption could have significant economic and industrial repercussions, particularly for the steel market, where the plant’s output plays a crucial role in the Russian economy.
Ukrainian Drone Warfare Escalates
This attack is not an isolated incident. Novolipetsk Steel was previously targeted in February 2024, highlighting the ongoing use of drone strikes by Ukraine against key Russian industrial assets. Ukrainian forces have increasingly turned to drones as a method of warfare, aiming to disrupt Russia's economy and infrastructure as part of the broader conflict. The February 13 attack follows another strike on February 3, 2025, in which Ukrainian drones targeted an oil refinery in Volgograd and a gas processing plant in Astrakhan.
Russia's Response and Claims
In response to the February 13 attack, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed that its air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 83 drones overnight. These included 37 drones shot down over Bryansk Oblast, 12 over Kursk and Lipetsk, 9 over Tver, and smaller numbers over Belgorod, Kaluga, Smolensk, and Voronezh Oblasts. However, the Kyiv Independent was unable to verify these claims.
While the exact extent of the damage to Novolipetsk Steel remains unconfirmed, these types of drone attacks are becoming more common in the ongoing conflict, which has significantly impacted both military and civilian targets.
Significance of Novolipetsk Steel
Novolipetsk Steel is an essential part of Russia's industrial complex. As a major supplier of steel, it plays a pivotal role in both the Russian economy and the broader geopolitical landscape. Steel produced at NLMK is used in a wide variety of sectors, including construction, automotive, and heavy industry. The disruption of its operations due to these ongoing drone attacks could have cascading effects on both domestic industries and Russia's ability to maintain its economic standing in the global market.
The Larger Context
The attack on NLMK is part of a broader trend of industrial targets being hit by drone strikes, which have been increasingly deployed by Ukrainian forces. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated to involve not just military confrontations but also economic warfare, with industrial facilities, energy infrastructure, and supply chains becoming key targets for both sides.
This recent escalation underscores the ongoing volatility in the region, with Ukrainian forces utilizing drones as a cost-effective means of striking high-value targets far behind the front lines. As the conflict continues, such tactics are likely to intensify, further affecting industrial operations in Russia and heightening tensions.
