Russians stated that their territory was attacked overnight by dozens of drones, resulting in damage to critical infrastructure in several regions. They specifically mentioned attacks on a thermal power plant near Orel and the TolyattiAzot plant.
On the night of December 19th, a massive drone attack was reported that temporarily halted electricity supply in the Rostov region and limited the supply of heating and hot water in the Orel region. Governors of both regions confirmed this information. According to the Russian Telegram channel ASTRA, the attack targeted a thermal power plant near Orel and the TolyattiAzot enterprise, which is one of the world’s largest ammonia producers.
Yury Slyusar, governor of the Rostov region, reported several incidents, including the breakage of high-voltage power lines, leading to power outages in residential buildings and industrial facilities in several areas. In Taganrog, damage to roofs and windows in private homes was recorded, as well as fires in several vehicles.
In the Orel region, governor Andrey Klychkov noted damage to a utility infrastructure facility and temporary restrictions on the provision of utilities in one district of Orel. The TolyattiAzot plant, according to local sources, was attacked, there was a fire on the enterprise’s territory, and access roads were blocked.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that 94 drones were shot down or intercepted, including 36 over the Rostov region and six over the Samara region. The Orel region was not mentioned in the statement.
These events occurred amid other reports of drone attacks. The previous night, Ukrainian UAVs struck an airfield in Crimea and also attacked an oil tanker in the Rostov region.
| Region | Events | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Rostov region | Combat drones | Power outages, damage to houses and vehicles |
| Orel region | Attack on thermal power plant | Heat and power supply restrictions |
| Tolyatti | TolyattiAzot plant on fire | Road access blocked, production threat |
