A powerful explosion cut power to the Russian military base in Zaporizhzhia Oblast late on 3 August. The blast temporarily occupied the city of Berdiansk and destroyed a power substation that supplied electricity to the base located at the former Berdianski Zhnyvarky factory, UkrInform reports, citing its source in Ukraine's Defense Intelligence.
Since the start of Russia’s all-out war in 2022, Berdiansk has remained under occupation. The city has suffered extensive destruction, water and power outages, explosions at the port, and an aggressive campaign of Russification, including persecution of citizens with pro-Ukrainian views.
The energy strike triggered a fire, disabling a key element of the occupiers's logistics infrastructure.
A blow to the heart of Russia's military logistics
According to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, the explosion and ensuing fire disabled transformers that powered the facility where Russian troops repaired military vehicles and stored weapons.
“The final consequences of the explosion and the extent of the damage are still being clarified,” says Defense Intelligence source.
Local residents were the first to report the powerful blast, posting videos and photos on social media. The surrounding streets lost power, and social media posts confirmed the fire at the substation.
From harvester factory to pillar of the occupation army
After the capture of Berdiansk, Russian occupying forces converted the plant’s workshops into a repair hub, arms depot, and barracks. Damaged vehicles from the front were brought here for repairs before being sent back to the battlefield.
The destruction of the facility’s power supply seriously disrupts the occupiers’ logistics and hampers their ability to repair equipment.
