Drones attack Russia’s Tambov region, explosions rock Voronezh

On the night of January 16, a series of explosions were heard in the Tambov region of Russia near the city of Kotovsk and the village of Kuzmino-Gat, where a gunpowder plant is located. Air defense systems were operating in the region. Also, in the Voronezh region of the Russian Federation, local authorities reported an attack by drones on an oil depot.

The Telegram channel Mash, Shot, the Russian media "Meduza," the head of the Voronezh region Alexander Gusev, and local public forums reported this.

Tambov region

According to Russian media, last night's drone attack on the Tambov region was described as "massive," and Russia is blaming Ukraine for the airstrike.

Additionally, posts on Russian social networks suggest that aircraft-type drones were heading towards the gunpowder plant in the village of Kuzmino-Gat.

Tambov Telegram channels also claim that several explosions occurred in Kotovsk. Air defense was working there.

According to local public forums, drones began attacking the Tambov region starting at 12:40 a.m.

Also, according to Russian media, explosions were heard in Kuzmino-Gat.

Tambov public forums are discussing the downing of a UAV due to air defense operations in the region.

Meanwhile, local authorities have remained silent about the situation in the Tambov region following the air attack.

In the morning, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that three UAVs were allegedly shot down over the Tambov region.

Voronezh region

Also, in the Voronezh region, local authorities reported an attack by drones on an oil depot.

Gusev claims that air defense and electronic warfare systems shot down drones, and the fire started as a result of the drones falling.

Telegram channels write that an oil depot in the city of Liski, approximately 90 kilometers from Voronezh, was attacked.

For reference:

On the night of January 14, the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out the most massive strike on the military facilities of the Russian army at a distance of 200 to 1,100 km deep into Russian territory. In particular, targets in the Bryansk, Saratov, Tula regions, and the Republic of Tatarstan were attacked.

The General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces reported a successful attack on the "Kristal Plant" oil storage facility in Engels, Saratov region. This follows a fire that burned for five days after an earlier strike had just been extinguished.

The Bryansk Chemical Plant in Seltso was also hit. According to the General Staff, this is a strategic facility of the Russian military-industrial complex. It produces ammunition for artillery, multiple-launch rocket systems, aviation, engineering ammunition, and components for the Kh-59 cruise missile.

It should be noted that in 2024, oil refineries and fuel depots in Russia and the occupied territories of Ukraine were attacked at least 81 times, with oil facilities in the southern regions of the Russian Federation suffering the most.

One of the largest incidents at the end of 2024 was a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, which caused a large-scale fire. This plant, located near the Ukrainian border, played a key role in providing Russian military equipment with fuel. In 2024, its work was stopped at least thrice, and it is unknown whether production resumed after the last attack.