Fact Check: Ukrainian intelligence agents drained the coolant from the power transformer of the substation and then set it on fire.

Fact Check: "Ukrainian intelligence agents drained the coolant from the power transformer of the substation and then set it on fire."

What We Know

On June 14, 2025, Ukrainian military intelligence agents conducted a covert operation targeting an electrical substation in Kaliningrad, Russia. According to multiple sources, including the Kyiv Independent and Ukrainska Pravda, the agents drained the coolant from the substation's power transformer before igniting the facility, resulting in significant damage estimated at nearly $5 million. This operation not only caused extensive damage to the substation but also cut off electricity to several nearby military facilities, impacting the Russian military-industrial complex (source-2, source-8).

Analysis

The claim that Ukrainian intelligence agents drained the coolant from the power transformer and then set the substation on fire is supported by multiple credible sources. Reports from the Kyiv Independent, Ukrainska Pravda, and Channel 24 consistently detail the sequence of events, confirming the actions taken by Ukrainian operatives. The sources provide a coherent narrative of the operation, including the strategic intent behind targeting military infrastructure.

The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established presence in reporting on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The Kyiv Independent and Ukrainska Pravda are well-regarded Ukrainian news outlets, while Channel 24 is known for its coverage of military and political developments in Ukraine. However, it is essential to note that these sources may carry a pro-Ukrainian bias, which could influence the framing of the events. Despite this, the consistency across various reports lends credibility to the claim.

Furthermore, the operation reflects a broader strategy employed by Ukraine to disrupt Russian military capabilities through targeted sabotage, as evidenced by previous operations reported in the media (source-3, source-6). The coordinated nature of these attacks indicates a well-planned approach by Ukrainian intelligence.

Conclusion

The claim that "Ukrainian intelligence agents drained the coolant from the power transformer of the substation and then set it on fire" is True. This conclusion is based on corroborating reports from multiple reliable sources that detail the actions taken by Ukrainian operatives during the sabotage operation in Kaliningrad. The consistency of the reports and the strategic context of the operation further support the validity of the claim.

Fact Check: Ukrainian intelligence agents drained the coolant from the power transformer of the substation and then set it on fire.