Fact Check: On June 14, 2023, Ukrainian Defence Intelligence agents attacked an industrial power substation in Kaliningrad, Russia, resulting in a complete cut-off of electricity supply to consumers, including Russian defence industrial base facilities and the Russian Armed Forces.

Fact Check: Ukrainian Agents Attacked Power Substation in Kaliningrad

What We Know

On June 14, 2023, Ukrainian Defence Intelligence agents conducted an operation targeting an industrial power substation in Kaliningrad, Russia. Reports indicate that the attack occurred around 04:00 AM, resulting in a complete cut-off of electricity supply to local consumers, including facilities associated with the Russian defence industrial base and the Russian Armed Forces (Ukrainska Pravda, Kyiv Independent).

According to sources within the Ukrainian Defence Intelligence, the agents drained coolant from the substation's power transformer and subsequently set it on fire, causing significant damage estimated at around $5 million (Ukrainska Pravda, RBC Ukraine). This operation is part of a broader strategy employed by Ukraine to disrupt Russian military capabilities during the ongoing conflict.

Analysis

The claim that Ukrainian agents attacked a power substation in Kaliningrad is supported by multiple credible sources, including reports from Ukrainian media and official statements from the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. The details provided by these sources align consistently, indicating a coordinated effort to target Russian military infrastructure.

The reliability of these sources can be assessed as follows:

• Ukrainska Pravda and Kyiv Independent are reputable Ukrainian news outlets known for their coverage of the conflict and have reported on military operations extensively. Their accounts of the incident are corroborated by other sources (Ukrainska Pravda, Kyiv Independent).
• The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine also provides official confirmation of military actions, which adds a layer of credibility to the reports (Ministry of Defence of Ukraine).
• Other sources such as RBC Ukraine and Espreso TV have reported similar details, reinforcing the claim's validity (RBC Ukraine, Espreso TV).

While the Ukrainian government and media may exhibit a degree of bias in framing military successes, the convergence of multiple independent reports lends credence to the assertion that the attack occurred as described.

Conclusion

The claim that Ukrainian Defence Intelligence agents attacked an industrial power substation in Kaliningrad on June 14, 2023, resulting in a complete cut-off of electricity supply to consumers, including Russian defence industrial base facilities and the Russian Armed Forces, is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources supports this assertion, detailing the methods and impact of the operation.

Sources

1. Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
2. Ukraine says potent Russian hack against power grid thwarted
3. Ukraine's Defence Intelligence cuts power to Russian defence industry ...
4. Ukrainian agents cause millions in damage during secret ...
5. Ukrainian forces disable Russian military facilities in Kaliningrad
6. Ukrainian intel hits Kaliningrad in bold sabotage op - Details | RBC