On Sunday, 25 October 2026, reports emerged of a suspected missile strike on the «Energia» plant in the town of Yelets, in the Lipetsk Oblast of Russia. A video is circulating online showing a plume of smoke near industrial buildings. It is claimed that the plant was attacked with cruise missiles, but there is currently no independent confirmation of the type of weaponry, the exact point of impact or the extent of the damage. The plant manufactures batteries and accumulators used in Russian missile systems, aircraft and other military equipment.
What is known about the possible attack on the plant in Yelets
On 25 October, reports began to circulate on social media about an attack on the «Energia» industrial plant, located in Yelets in the Lipetsk Oblast of the Russian Federation.
Footage released shows a plume of light-coloured smoke rising behind the buildings. Those posting the reports claim that the target of the attack was a factory linked to the Russian defence industry.
Initial reports suggest that cruise missiles were used. However, the available footage does not allow us to determine the type of munitions, confirm the exact point of impact or assess the extent of any damage.
What does the «Energia» factory produce for the Russian army?
PJSC «Energia» is one of Russia’s leading manufacturers of chemical power sources. Its products are used in industry, aviation, maritime transport and the defence sector.
According to information from the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, the factory is involved in the production of power sources for Russian weaponry.
In particular, the company supplies batteries for guided aerial munitions and components for the power supply systems of the 9M727 cruise missiles of the «Iskander-K».
Furthermore, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had previously reported that the factory’s products are used in «Iskander-M» missile systems, sea-based cruise missiles and other types of specialised military equipment.
The company has been added to the European Union’s sanctions list due to its involvement in supplying the Russian military-industrial complex.
The «Energia» plant has been attacked before
The factory in Yelets has been repeatedly targeted since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
On 23 May 2025, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that the factory had been destroyed by Special Operations Forces units, acting in coordination with other components of the Defence Forces. A fire broke out on the factory premises following the attack.
The Ukrainian command confirmed a second strike on 3 July 2025. At the time, there were reports of explosions and the shutdown of production facilities.
On the evening of 4 January 2026, Russian and Ukrainian media once again reported a fire at the plant following a drone attack. The geolocation of the published video footage was carried out at the time by the independent Russian publication ASTRA.
This latest report, dated 25 October, concerns a possible new attack. The results of the attack and the weapons used require further confirmation.
