Camilla Jessen
Reports suggest a sanctioned semiconductor plant may have been the primary target.
In what appears to be one of the largest drone attacks of the war, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that more than 150 Ukrainian drones were launched overnight on May 21, targeting industrial and military facilities deep within Russian territory.
Explosions were reported in Tula, Ryazan, and Oryol oblasts.
While Russian officials say there were no casualties or infrastructure damage, Ukrainian and independent sources claim otherwise — particularly regarding a semiconductor facility believed to be aiding Russia’s defense sector.
Semiconductor Plant Possibly Hit
According to Ukrainian official Andrii Kovalenko, the attack specifically targeted Russia’s military-industrial complex, including facilities in Oryol Oblast.
Independent Russian outlet Astra reported that one of the main targets was a semiconductor plant in the town of Bolkhov, which has been under U.S. sanctions since 2024 for its alleged involvement in the Russian military supply chain.
While Russian authorities have not confirmed damage to the facility, Ukrainian Telegram channel Supernova+ shared video footage that appears to show a fire at the plant, though the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.
Russia: “No Damage, No Casualties”
According to The Kyiv Independent, Oryol region governor Andrey Klychkov stated that no injuries or damages occurred as a result of the drone barrage.
However, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Telegram that 53 drones were intercepted over Oryol Oblast alone.
Temporary flight restrictions were also imposed at Yaroslavl, Kostroma, and Kaluga airports.
Kyiv Stays Silent
As is often the case, Ukrainian military officials have not commented on the overnight operation.
Kyiv rarely claims responsibility for drone attacks deep inside Russian territory, even as such strikes have become more frequent in recent months.
Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted military production and logistics infrastructure across Russia, aiming to weaken Moscow’s ability to supply its front-line forces.