Drone Strikes Target Russian Industrial Sites, Including Novolipetsk Steel Plant and Ryazan Oil Refinery

In the early hours of March 9, multiple regions of Russia came under attack from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with strikes reported on industrial facilities in Lipetsk, Ryazan, Voronezh, and Kursk regions.

According to reports from Russian officials and local media, the attacks targeted key infrastructure, including the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant and the Ryazan Oil Refinery.

Lipetsk Region: Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant

The governor of the Lipetsk region, Igor Artamonov, confirmed the activation of an air raid alert across the region due to the presence of UAVs. He stated that air defense systems were engaged in countering the attacks. Residents in Lipetsk reported hearing multiple explosions, and Russian media sources indicated that the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant (NLMK) was among the possible targets.

NLMK is one of Russia’s largest metallurgical enterprises and is considered strategically important for its role in supplying metal for industrial and defense purposes. According to Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, the plant produces steel and rolled metal used in military vehicles, armored equipment, shipbuilding, and aviation. Additionally, its materials are utilized for the maintenance and modernization of military assets. Russian reports suggest that explosions occurred near the plant, with images showing signs of fire in the vicinity.

Ryazan Region: Oil refinery

In the Ryazan region, multiple explosions were reported near the Ryazan Oil Refinery. Governor Pavel Malkov stated that air defense systems had intercepted an aerial threat, claiming that no industrial or civilian infrastructure was damaged. However, independent monitoring systems, such as NASA’s FIRMS, detected heat anomalies on the refinery’s territory at 00:46 and 01:07 on March 9, suggesting possible fires following the attack.

Local residents reported hearing at least six explosions, and footage circulated online purportedly showing the aftermath of the attack. This marks the fourth reported UAV strike on the Ryazan refinery since the beginning of 2025. The facility, one of Russia’s largest oil processing sites, plays a significant role in fuel production.

Other reported strikes: Voronezh, Kursk, and Nizhny Novgorod

Additional UAV activity was reported in Voronezh and Kursk regions. In Voronezh, Russian officials stated that air defenses intercepted a drone, but residents reported multiple explosions. Unverified reports suggested that a distillery in Buturlinovka, Voronezh region, may have been affected. Distilleries in Russia have been known to produce ethanol-based fuels, which have potential military applications.

In Kursk region, explosions were reported near the town of Korenevo. Official statements provided no further details about possible damage or casualties.

Meanwhile, in Nizhny Novgorod region, reports indicated UAVs targeted the Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez refinery. Witnesses described seeing bright flashes in the sky and hearing loud explosions near the facility. The extent of the impact remains unverified.

Earlier, drone strikes targeted the Kirishinefteorgsintez (KINEF) oil refinery in the Leningrad region and a military supply facility in Bryansk. The Leningrad governor reported damage to a storage tank, while in Bryansk, explosions and a fire were reported at a factory producing military ration packs.