Source: Russian Ministry of Defense, Tver region governor Igor Rudenya, and Bryansk region governor Aleksandr Bogomaz on Telegram, Russian Telegram channels
Details: The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that 104 Ukrainian drones were allegedly shot down over Russian territory.
In particular, 47 drones were reportedly destroyed over the Kursk region, 27 over Bryansk, 11 over Smolensk, 7 over Tver, 4 over Belgorod, 3 each over Nizhny Novgorod and Kaluga, and 1 each over Rostov and Leningrad regions of Russia.
It is noteworthy that Tver region governor Igor Rudenya counted as many as 29 downed drones over his region.
Meanwhile, Bryansk region governor Aleksandr Bogomaz claims that 33 drones were destroyed over his region (stating that the Russian Ministry of Defense's air defense shot down 27 UAVs, while 6 were allegedly downed by special units of the National Guard).
Russian Telegram channels reported that due to the drone attacks, a "Carpet" plan was activated at Kazan Airport. Additionally, temporary restrictions were imposed on the operations of Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg.
Smolensk region governor Vasily Anokhin asserted that one drone was shot down "during an attempted attack on a nuclear energy facility." No further details were provided by the official, but he hastily assured that "there were no casualties or damages."
Why this matters: There is indeed a nuclear energy facility in the Smolensk region. This is the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant, located in the south of the region – just 3 km from the city of Desnogorsk. The plant has 3 power units with RBMK-1000 type uranium-graphite channel reactors. The Smolensk NPP is a subsidiary of the AO "Concern Rosenergoatom."
As is well known, air defense systems are positioned around critical facilities rather than being "scattered" randomly across the country.
Ukraine has repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining nuclear safety and stated that it targets military sites and oil refineries that supply the Russian army on Russian territory. Numerous photos and videos from Russian Telegram channels have confirmed that Ukrainian strikes are precise and indeed aimed at military sites and oil refineries.
There are also known facts of Russian missiles falling on Russian territory.
Moreover, earlier, the American magazine on international relations and U.S. foreign policy, Foreign Affairs, reported that about 30% of Russia's nuclear arsenal, which consists of approximately 5580 warheads, is within reach of Ukrainian drones and missiles.
The article's author noted that there are no indications that Ukrainian forces are intentionally targeting nuclear warhead storage sites. At the same time, he emphasized that the responsibility for relocating their nuclear warheads away from danger lies with the Russian government.
Updated: The Smolensk NPP reported that it is operating normally.
"Two power units are operational at the Smolensk NPP. Power unit 3 is undergoing scheduled maintenance since January 13," the statement said.
Background:
- It was previously reported that drones attacked the Nizhny Novgorod Oil Refinery. A fire broke out there.