Ukrainian cruise missiles struck the main production building of Proton-Electrotex, a factory in Orel, Russia, that manufactures components for Moscow’s missile systems, according to a report by The Kyiv Independent. Orel sits roughly 100 miles from the Ukrainian border.
The plant produces semiconductor devices, LEDs and electronic components used in equipment that builds Russian weapons systems. Video published by Exilenova showed massive explosions and billowing black smoke rising over the site after Friday’s strike.
Ukraine’s general staff said the attack would disrupt Russia’s ability to build the weapons it has used against Ukrainian cities.
“This complicates the production of components for cruise and ballistic missiles, with which the enemy hits Ukrainian cities,” Ukraine’s general staff said in a statement, according to the Kyiv Independent.
Regional Gov. Andrei Klychkov said three unidentified people died in the attack. Those deaths were reportedly not caused by the strike on the Proton-Electrotex building itself but by a fire that broke out as a result of the attack.
Moscow Airport Disrupted by Drones
Separately, a drone swarm over Moscow grounded flights at Sheremetyevo airport on Saturday, with 85 flights canceled and 229 more delayed. Flights resumed around 5 p.m. local time.
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said 17 drones were shot down as they approached the Russian capital. The incoming drones prompted an evacuation of the IQ-quarter skyscraper in Moscow’s business district, which houses several government ministries, including the Digital Development Ministry, the Economic Development Ministry, and the Industry and Trade Ministry.
The disruption is the latest in a string of drone-related shutdowns at Moscow-area airports since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began.
A Separate Diplomatic Track in Oleshky
Amid the strikes, the White House announced a separate effort aimed at helping civilians trapped by the war. First Lady Melania Trump’s office said Friday she helped broker a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine covering Oleshky, a Ukrainian city under Russian occupation.
The ceasefire is set to begin Oct. 29 and is meant to let elderly residents leave the city while allowing humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, to reach those who remain, according to the East Wing.
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