Russia reports drone attack: oil depot burns in Voronezh, powder factory hit in Tambov

Attack on oil depot in Voronezh region

Governor Alexander Gusev wrote about the drone attack on Russia's Voronezh region at 10:12 p.m. 

"As a result of the crash of several UAVs in one of the region's districts, a fire broke out at an oil depot. According to preliminary reports, there are no casualties. Emergency services are working at the scene," the statement said.

He added that the risk of a UAV attack in the region remains.

On the morning of January 16, Gusev reported that during the night, over 10 UAVs allegedly attacked three districts in the Voronezh region, with most of them targeting an oil depot in the Liski district.

“At the initial stage, firefighting efforts were complicated by the threat of repeated attacks on the facility. Currently, reinforced fire crews are working to control the fire at several tanks, with dozens of vehicles and two fire trains involved. Additional forces from two neighboring regions have been dispatched,” he said.

Drone attack on Tambov region

At night, there were also reports of a drone attack on Russia's Tambov region. Locals reported explosions in Kotovsk, where a gunpowder plant is located.

According to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, this is not the first time the Tambov Powder Plant has been targeted. It is one of the key facilities in Russia's military-industrial complex involved in the war against Ukraine.

“They produce gunpowder, which is used for various types of small arms, artillery and rocket systems. They also produce colloxylin, which is used to create explosives and other specialized products,” Kovalenko said.

He also added that this company is one of the main suppliers of explosives to the Russian army, and with the outbreak of a full-scale war in Ukraine, production at the plant has increased significantly.

Report from Russia's Defense Ministry

On the morning of January 16, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the alleged interception and downing of 27 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles.

“Fifteen UAVs were destroyed over the territory of the Belgorod region, seven over the territory of the Voronezh region, three over the territory of the Tambov region and two over the territory of the Kursk region,” the statement said.

• On the night of Monday, January 13, Russia reported a drone attack. Air defense reportedly operated in three regions, including the Voronezh region.