**Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Industrial Zone, Causing Fire and Injuries**
In the early hours of May 23, Ukrainian drones launched a surprise attack on an industrial zone in Yelets, a city located in Russia’s Lipetsk Oblast. The strike caused a significant fire at the Energy (Energia) plant, which is Russia’s largest producer of chemical power sources.
According to reports from local residents, cited by Russian Telegram-channel Astra, the drones targeted the Energy plant, causing explosions and fires. Videos on social media appear to show the aftermath of the attack, with flames engulfing parts of the facility. The plant has been under U.S. and EU sanctions for some time now.
**Eight People Injured in Residential Building**
Governor Igor Artamonov reported that debris from the drones fell on a residential building in Yelets, injuring eight people. While the exact circumstances of the incident are still unclear, it’s evident that the attack has caused significant disruption to the local community.
**Drone Attacks Continue to Disrupt Russian Operations**
This latest drone strike is part of Ukraine’s ongoing campaign to undermine Russia’s ability to wage war. Kyiv has been intensifying its drone attacks in recent weeks, targeting military and industrial facilities in the rear. In addition to the Yelets attack, hundreds of drones have been launched against Moscow, causing temporary closures of multiple airports.
**Russian Air Defenses Engage Ukrainian Drones**
According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, air defenses were able to down 112 Ukrainian drones overnight on May 23, including 24 over Moscow and one over Lipetsk oblasts. While the attacks are ongoing, it remains unclear how effective these defenses will be in preventing future drone strikes.
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