Ukrainian drones have successfully struck Vladimir Putin's top-secret super-weapon testing facility in Russia, according to military sources. The attack targeted the 4th State Central Inter-Service Test Range Kapustin Yar in the Astrakhan region, approximately 500 miles from Ukraine. The drones reportedly broke through Russian air defences and hit an assembly and testing building at the site, which is close to the border with Kazakhstan.
The pre-emptive strike aimed to disrupt Russian plans to launch new Oreshnik missiles, which are described as 'unstoppable' and capable of reaching speeds of 8,000mph. Intelligence sources suggest that Putin is preparing a devastating new attack on Ukraine within the next day or two, potentially involving the nuclear-capable Oreshnik super-weapon. This would be the second use of the weapon this year, following a strike on Lviv on 9 January.
Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) warned that Russia's new offensive may include a 'genocidal' campaign to destroy Ukraine's nuclear power plant substations, aiming to force a surrender by depriving civilians of electricity and heat. The GUR stated: 'The Kremlin's intentions to attack substations in order to destroy generation at Ukrainian nuclear power plants in such a hybrid manner once again demonstrate the genocidal nature of Russia's war against Ukraine.'
The Kapustin Yar range is also used to test short- and medium-range missiles, cruise missiles, air defence systems, and S-400 launchers. It is a massive, top-secret military rocket test site and former space launch base. The attack comes as Kyiv experiences temperatures of -17°C, with subzero conditions forecast all week.
In recent overnight attacks, a 20-year-old woman was killed and three others injured in Kharkiv, while energy infrastructure was targeted in the Odesa region. At least six people were injured in the Dnipropetrovsk region, and a seven-year-old boy was hurt in Sumy. Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces officer Oleksandr Musiienko warned that Russia is preparing for a fresh Oreshnik strike to coincide with the annual Davos summit, aiming to intimidate the West and delay security and economic agreements for Ukraine.
