On the night of June 17, 2025, residents of the city of Yelets in the Lipetsk region reported a massive attack by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), accompanied by the sounds of sirens and drone flights. The regional governor, Igor Artamonov, declared a “red level” of UAV attack threat in the region. The incident was the latest episode in a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on border and central regions of Russia, highlighting the growing tensions in the ongoing conflict. According to preliminary data, significant destruction and casualties were avoided thanks to the prompt work of Russian air defense forces.

As reported by locals on social media, including the X platform, air raid sirens began sounding in Yelets around midnight, and the characteristic sounds of drone engines were heard in the sky. Videos distributed on Telegram channels captured bright flashes and sounds of interceptions, indicating active air defense activity.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet published an official report on the incident in Yelets, but Russian air defense systems, including the Pantsir-S and S-400 systems, are actively used to neutralize drones.

Ukraine has significantly increased the production and use of drones, including aircraft-type models with a range of up to 1000 km. Such drones, often armed with explosives, are assembled from commercially available components, making them relatively cheap but effective for sabotage operations.