**Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Ammunition Depot in Donetsk Oblast**
A powerful explosion rocked a Russian ammunition depot in occupied Donetsk Oblast early on July 3, after being struck by Ukrainian drones. The State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported that the explosions started at around 10 p.m., followed by a massive secondary detonation and fire.
According to the SBU, the depot is located in Khartsyzsk, near Donetsk, which is a strategic location used as a rear base by Russian forces. The SBU stated that the depot was a legitimate military target, housing command posts, logistics centers, and ammunition stores.
Videos posted on social media show a fire burning at the site before a large explosion and shockwave.
**Ukraine Targets Critical Infrastructure in Russia**
This strike is part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to diminish Russian forces’ capabilities by targeting critical infrastructure deep within occupied territories. Earlier that night, Ukrainian drones struck the Energia factory in Lipetsk Oblast, which produces components for missiles and drones, including batteries for the Iskander missile system.
Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Counter-Disinformation Center at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, confirmed the strike, calling the Energia factory a critical target for Russia. The facility manufactures batteries for missile guidance and glider modules, including those used in the Iskander system and cruise missiles.
**Regular Strikes on Russian Targets**
Ukraine has regularly carried out strikes against military targets in occupied territories and within Russia as part of its efforts to counter Moscow’s war against Ukraine. This includes a recent strike on a command post of the 8th Combined Arms Army of the Russian Armed Forces in Donetsk Oblast on June 30.
Russia has been focusing its offensive efforts on the embattled town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast and has recently escalated attempts to break through into neighboring Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, which has not yet seen combat.
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