Fact Check: On the night of 13-14 June 2023, Ukrainian Armed Forces drones struck facilities belonging to the Russian defence industrial base, including the Independent Oil and Gas Company JSC in Samara Oblast.

Fact Check: Ukrainian Armed Forces Drones Struck Russian Facilities on June 13-14, 2023

What We Know

On the night of June 13-14, 2023, Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted drone strikes targeting facilities within the Russian defense industrial base. Reports from Ukraine's General Staff confirmed that these strikes specifically targeted two major military-industrial facilities: the Nevinnomyssk Azot chemical plant in Stavropol Krai and the Novokuybyshevsk Catalyst Plant in Samara Oblast. These facilities are critical for producing materials used in Russia's military operations, including explosives and ammunition (Kyiv Independent source-4).

The strikes were part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russia's military capabilities, with Ukrainian officials stating that the Novokuybyshevsk Catalyst Plant is essential for the production of catalysts used in petroleum refining and petrochemicals (Yahoo source-3). The Ukrainian military's actions were reported to have caused explosions and fires at these sites, although the extent of the damage and the operational impact remain to be fully assessed.

Analysis

The claim that Ukrainian drones struck facilities belonging to the Russian defense industrial base is supported by multiple credible sources. The Ukrainian General Staff's confirmation of the strikes lends significant weight to the assertion, as it comes from an official military body (Kyiv Independent source-4). Furthermore, local Russian authorities, including the governor of Samara Oblast, acknowledged the attempted drone attack, which adds an additional layer of verification to the events reported (Yahoo source-3).

However, it is important to note that while the strikes targeted significant military-industrial facilities, the specific mention of the Independent Oil and Gas Company JSC in Samara Oblast as a target is not substantiated by the available reports. The focus appears to be on the chemical and catalyst plants rather than oil and gas facilities directly (Kyiv Independent source-4).

The reliability of the sources varies; while the Ukrainian General Staff and local government reports are credible, the narrative surrounding the strikes can be influenced by the ongoing conflict and propaganda from both sides. The BBC and other international news outlets have reported on the strikes, but they have also noted that independent verification of the claims remains challenging (BBC source-1).

Conclusion

The claim that Ukrainian Armed Forces drones struck facilities belonging to the Russian defense industrial base on the night of June 13-14, 2023, is Partially True. While there is credible evidence supporting the occurrence of drone strikes on significant military-industrial facilities, the specific mention of the Independent Oil and Gas Company JSC as a target lacks direct confirmation. The strikes did indeed target critical facilities that contribute to Russia's military capabilities, but the details regarding specific companies may not be fully accurate.

Sources

1. Ukraine drones strike bombers during major attack in Russia
2. Ukrainian drone strikes trigger fires at major oil and gas facilities
3. Ukrainian Armed Forces drones hit two Russian defence industrial facilities
4. Ukraine confirms drone strikes on Russian chemical plants
5. Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia warehouse destroys 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid
6. Ukraine's Drone Swarms Are Destroying Russian Nuclear Bombers
7. Russia Factories, Oil Terminals Hit in Massive Drone Attack
8. Ukraine Has 15 Kinds Of Strike Drone for Hitting Russia's Oil Industry