Ukrainian drones struck an industrial complex in Russia’s central republic of Bashkortostan and a power substation in the Kursk region, according to statements from regional authorities. The incidents mark a continuation of cross-border attacks targeting critical infrastructure.
In Bashkortostan, drones hit a petrochemical plant in Sterlitamak, causing an explosion and partial roof collapse. Regional governor Radiy Khabirov reported that air defense forces engaged the drones, and falling debris led to the damage. Preliminary reports indicated five workers were present at the time, but no casualties were reported.
Separately, in the Kursk region, governor Alexander Khinshtein stated that a power substation in Belaya was struck, resulting in power outages affecting seven settlements. Emergency services responded, and a backup system was utilized to restore power. Engineers were also working to repair a substation in Rylsk that was attacked on the previous day.
These strikes align with a broader pattern of escalating attacks on energy infrastructure. Russia has consistently targeted Ukraine’s energy grid, while Ukraine has increasingly launched strikes against Russian oil refineries and industrial sites. The Sterlitamak plant is located approximately 750 miles from the Ukrainian border.
While the reporting references Telegram posts from regional governors and a Kommersant article detailing separate sabotage incidents involving explosives in the Samara region, no direct official government statements or primary cybersecurity advisories specifically clarifying these drone strikes were publicly available through the cited sources.