Russian defense-linked Energiya plant burns after latest Ukrainian drone strike (VIDEOS, MAP)

Ukrainian drones struck Energiya, Russia’s largest manufacturer of power sources for weaponry, late on 4 January, damaging production facilities at the site in Yelets, Lipetsk Oblast, according to Ukrainian Telegram channel Exilenova+ and local sources. The factory, which holds dozens of defense contracts and produces batteries used in ballistic missiles and UAVs, was hit in a confirmed nighttime attack as part of Ukraine’s ongoing campaign targeting Russian military-industrial assets.

Ukrainian drones strike Energiya plant in Yelets

Yelets is situated about 280 km from Ukraine's northern border. The drone strikes began in the early hours of 4 January, according to Yelets mayor Viacheslav Zhabin. The first air-raid alert with a red-level threat was reportedly declared around 5 a.m., and threat levels repeatedly shifted between red and yellow throughout the day.

Air defense activity was heard in the regional capital, and residents reported the loss of mobile connection in several areas. Footage released by various Telegram channels captured the damage and ensuing fire at the plant. Images from the scene show fires burning in factory buildings believed to be core manufacturing areas.

In the late evening of the same day, Ukrainian Telegram channel Exilenova+ started publishing footage showing drone impacts on the Energiya factory’s industrial shops. The channel Dnipro Osint geolocated one of the strikes, confirming the hit on the plant in Yelets, Lipetsk Oblast, and noted that a fire had broken out at the location. Coordinates were provided to verify the strike zone. 

Russian Telegram channel Astra also confirmed the event through OSINT analysis of available videos. The outlet stated that footage captured by eyewitnesses was taken approximately 900 meters from the attacked facility. Astra emphasized that this was not the first time the factory had been attacked.

Repeated strikes on critical defense facility

According to Militarnyi, this strike marks at least the fourth time the Energiya plant has been hit. On 15 July 2025, at least four drones attacked the facility. Another UAV strike occurred on 3 July, and during the night of 23 May 2025, drones triggered a fire at the factory that injured nine employees. Satellite imagery later confirmed the damage from that earlier strike.

Energiya’s strategic role in Russia’s defense-industrial complex

The Energiya plant in Yelets is part of JSC Energiya, a Russian company that specializes in sealed lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and lithium-ion battery production, uninterruptible power supplies, and military-standard electrochemical energy systems. The application of these products spans a wide range of Russian weaponry, from tactical drones to intercontinental ballistic missiles, ships, and combat aircraft.

Battery units from Energiya have been found inside 9M723 Iskander ballistic missiles, guided aerial bombs equipped with UMPK, and Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles.