A major Russian military energy plant has suffered significant damage following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes confirmed by new satellite imagery. The attacks targeted PJSC Energia, a top Russian producer of batteries for missiles, drones, and military-grade equipment. The facility is located in the town of Yelets in the Lipetsk region, around 200 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
The Open Source Centre, a respected independent intelligence group, released high resolution satellite images clearly showing the aftermath of the strikes. The first attack took place overnight from 22 to 23 May, when roughly a dozen long range drones reached the plant and struck one of its main workshops. Videos taken by local residents show damage to the facility and confirm the impact.
A second wave of drone activity was reported the following night. Local witnesses described unidentified drones over Yelets shortly before explosions were heard. Igor Artamonov, the governor of Lipetsk region, admitted that a drone had crashed in an industrial zone during the attack. He did not mention the damage to the facility in his official statement.
According to reports from the Russian media outlet Astra, the first strike caused a fire that left nine factory workers injured.
The Energia facility manufactures batteries and power systems used in some of Russia’s most dangerous weapons, including the Kinzhal air launched ballistic missile, the UMPK glide bomb, and the Iskander 9M723 missile. Energia’s products also power advanced drones and other electrochemical military hardware.
The company produces nickel cadmium, lithium ion, and sealed lead acid batteries, many of which meet military specifications for Russia’s aerospace and defence programs. Energia is considered a vital part of Russia’s military supply chain. Out of just three similar companies in the country, Energia is the largest and most heavily relied upon.
Russian defence contracts show that Energia has signed multi million ruble deals with over 20 military institutions, including the Ministry of Defence and other state arms manufacturers.
