**Ukrainian Drones Hit Russian Energy Facilities**
Last night, February 3, Ukrainian drones attacked energy facilities in Russia’s Astrakhan and Volgograd oblasts. Local authorities reported fires at the targeted sites.
This is part of Ukraine‘s strategy to disrupt Russia’s gas and oil exports, which fund its war efforts.
**Volgograd Oblast Under Attack**
In Volgograd Oblast, Governor Andrei Bocharov claimed that air defenses “repelled a massive attack”. Most drones were intercepted, but short-term voltage drops occurred in the power grid. Residents reported at least 50 explosions.
A local oil refinery was hit, causing fires and fallen debris. The refinery had been targeted previously by Ukrainian drones on January 31.
**Astrakhan Oblast Also Affected**
In Astrakhan Oblast, air defenses were deployed to intercept drones targeting fuel and energy facilities. Governor Igor Babushkin reported a fire after one drone crashed. The exact location of the fire was not specified.
The Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant, which is key for Russia’s energy production, was allegedly attacked by Ukrainian drones.
**Russian Air Defenses Successful**
Russia claimed to have intercepted 70 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 27 over Rostov Oblast and 25 over Volgograd Oblast. However, the Ukrainian military has not commented on these claims.
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