By Charles Switzer
11:04am PST, Jan 29, 2025
Ukraine Strikes Back: Massive Attack on Russian Oil and Power Infrastructure
Ukraine delivered a major blow to Russia overnight on Wednesday, January 29, launching a large-scale drone attack targeting multiple oil refineries and power facilities. The most significant strike hit the Lukoil-owned Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez refinery, Russia's fourth-largest oil plant, in Nizhny Novgorod.Dramatic footage captured the facility engulfed in flames after two long-range military drones detonated upon impact.
The strike is part of an escalating Ukrainian effort to cripple Russia's energy infrastructure, a key component of President Vladimir Putin's war machine.
Here's what's happening.
MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more fun celebrity & entertainment photo galleries and content
Smolensk Nuclear Plant Targeted in High-Stakes Raid
One of Ukraine's most daring attacks included an attempted strike on the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant near Desnogorsk. Russian air defenses intercepted and destroyed a drone before it could cause damage, according to Smolensk Governor Vasily Anokhin, according to The Sun.Debris from the drone reportedly landed near the facility, but officials claim operations remain normal.
The Smolensk plant, which shares design similarities with the infamous Chernobyl reactor, is a crucial supplier of electricity to western Russia, making it a high-value target.
Putin's Oil Supply Chain Takes Another Devastating Hit
Ukraine's strikes have severely disrupted Russia's oil refining capabilities. The Nizhny Novgorod refinery, a major producer of high-grade aviation, automobile, and diesel fuel, processes 15 million tons of crude oil annually — accounting for nearly 6 percent of Russia's total output.This follows the suspension of operations at the Ryazan Oil Refinery, which was struck twice last week by Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian forces have systematically targeted oil depots, aiming to choke Putin's war economy by limiting access to refined fuel.
Residents Watch in Horror as Fireballs Light Up the Sky
Eyewitnesses in multiple Russian regions described the eerie hum of drones followed by deafening explosions as flames erupted from targeted facilities.In Kstovo, home to the Nizhny Novgorod refinery, residents reported massive blasts and thick plumes of smoke rising into the night sky.
Russian officials have scrambled to downplay the severity of the damage, with Governor Gleb Nikitin assuring the public that firefighters are actively battling the blazes and that there were "no reported casualties."
Ukraine's Drone Warfare Escalates as Russian Defenses Scramble
Russia's Ministry of Defense reported that 104 Ukrainian drones were launched in a coordinated assault across nine regions, with 11 intercepted over Smolensk alone.Nearly half of the drones were shot down over Kursk, where Russian troops are actively engaged in battles against Ukrainian forces.
This latest round of strikes follows an attack last week that sent shockwaves through Russia, as Ukraine successfully hit the Rostneft Oil Refinery in Ryazan with long-range kamikaze drones, triggering massive explosions and panic among locals.