Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces carried out a series of overnight strikes on April 16 targeting military and energy facilities in Russia and occupied territories. Reports indicate at least 16 targets were hit, including air defense systems, missile bases, oil depots, and infrastructure.
Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces Robert Brovdi reported this, along with Russian local officials and monitoring channels.
Strikes on Russian military sites and logistics
Brovdi said the operation targeted key military assets, including:
- two Iskander tactical missile bases in Crimea;
- Osa-AK, Pantsir-S1, and Buk-M1 air defense systems;
- ammunition depots and drone bases;
- oil storage facilities in occupied Crimea.
Officials also confirmed a strike on a warehouse of the 758th logistics center of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. This hub supplies fuel, ammunition, and maintenance support to Russian forces.
Attacks on industrial and oil facilities
The Unmanned Systems Forces also took part in a strike on an oil refinery in Tuapse, Krasnodar region. Monitoring channels reported a fire at the site after the attack.
Reports earlier indicated a strike on a petrochemical plant in Sterlitamak, which produces components for aviation fuel and synthetic materials.
Strike on energy infrastructure in Belgorod
On the morning of April 16, drones also struck an electrical substation in the city of Belgorod.
Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the attack caused a fire and partial power outages. Several districts, including the city center, lost electricity, disrupting infrastructure operations.
Russia’s response and scale of the attack
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it shot down more than 200 drones across multiple regions, including border areas, Crimea, and maritime zones.
Independent verification of the full impact remains unavailable.
Context
Since the start of the full-scale war, strikes inside Russia have become increasingly frequent. Key targets include oil refineries, ammunition depots, and energy infrastructure.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Kyrylo Budanov said Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure influence the negotiation process.
