Russia said its armed forces launched extensive overnight strikes across Ukraine on Thursday, targeting military production facilities in Kyiv, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kryvyi Rih, and ports along the Black Sea. According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, the operation involved land, sea, and air-launched missiles alongside attack drones aimed at weakening Ukraine’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
Kyiv and Western Ukraine Among Main Targets
The Russian military said it struck the Mayak factory in Kyiv, claiming it manufactures FP-1 and FP-2 strike drones, as well as Kyiv’s Electrical Technical Plant, which it alleged produces surveillance and attack drones.
In western Ukraine, Russia said it targeted the LORTA Aviation Factory in Lviv, claiming the facility manufactures and services engines used in Ukraine’s Flamingo cruise missiles and drone systems.
The Defence Ministry also reported strikes on two factories in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, alleging they were involved in producing and storing Flamingo and Neptune missiles.
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Kryvyi Rih Facility and Black Sea Ports Also Targeted
Russia stated that its forces hit the Akvaplast factory in Kryvyi Rih, alleging the facility was involved in assembling strike drones, unmanned sea drones, and repairing self-propelled artillery systems.
The ministry further claimed that three cargo ships in the Black Sea were struck. One vessel was reportedly hit at the port of Yuzhnyi (Pivdennyi), while two others near Odesa and Chornomorsk were accused of transporting military equipment and weapons to Ukraine.
Independent Verification Not Available
Reuters said it was unable to independently verify Russia’s claims regarding the strikes, the facilities targeted, or the reported damage to cargo vessels.
The reported strikes underscore Russia’s continued strategy of targeting Ukraine’s defense-industrial infrastructure rather than focusing solely on frontline military positions. If the claimed targets were successfully hit, they could temporarily disrupt Ukraine’s domestic production of drones and missile systems, which have become increasingly important in the war. The reported attacks on Black Sea cargo ships also suggest Moscow is seeking to pressure Ukraine’s maritime logistics and arms supply routes. However, because the claims have not been independently verified, the operational impact remains uncertain. The attacks nevertheless signal that both sides continue to prioritize long-range strikes against strategic infrastructure, indicating little prospect of a near-term de-escalation.
With information from Reuters.
