Ukraine’s military reported early Friday that it carried out a significant overnight attack on a Russian airfield in the Lipetsk region, resulting in the destruction of ammunition warehouses and sparking a state of emergency in the area.
The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed that the strike targeted “warehouses with guided aerial bombs and a number of other facilities.”
The Lipetsk airfield, located approximately 280 kilometers (177 miles) from the northeastern Ukrainian border, was hit amid ongoing hostilities in the region.
Russian state media reported a fire at the base following the attack, though the extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear.
Lipetsk region Governor Igor Artamonov initially reported a “large-scale drone attack” on the regional capital at 3:00 am local time, which he later clarified included damage to a power facility.
Artamonov’s initial plea for residents to disregard evacuation calls was quickly reversed, and a state of emergency was declared around 4:00 am.
This decision led to evacuation orders for four communities on the outskirts of Lipetsk, and temporary accommodation points and transport were being arranged.
The overnight attack comes amid a broader Ukrainian offensive in the southwestern Kursk region.
Ukrainian forces, comprising approximately 1,000 troops and more than two dozen armored vehicles and tanks, have been making significant advances across the border.
This escalation has been a point of contention between the warring nations, with the Russian military reporting extensive defensive measures.
In response to the Ukrainian assault, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that its forces successfully intercepted 75 Ukrainian drones overnight.
The ministry claimed to have downed 26 drones over the Belgorod region, 19 over the Lipetsk region, seven over the Kursk region, and 13 over the annexed Crimean peninsula and surrounding Black Sea.
Additionally, seven seaborne drones targeting Crimea were reportedly destroyed.
The heightened conflict underscores the ongoing volatility in the region, as both nations continue to engage in military actions with substantial implications for civilian safety and regional stability.
The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected as both sides adjust their strategies and responses.
The Ukrainian attack and the subsequent state of emergency in Lipetsk highlight the escalating nature of the conflict, with both military and civilian infrastructure being targeted in the ongoing struggle.
As the situation evolves, the international community continues to monitor the developments closely, with calls for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions remaining at the forefront of global concerns.