In the early hours of January 30, 2025, Ukraine’s Armed Forces launched multiple attacks on Russian regions, with their sights set on the world’s largest oil pipeline.
The strike occurred overnight, and while no casualties or significant damage were reported, the attack sparked a fire in the area, adding to the already tense situation.
HIMARS Rockets Used in the Attack
The Ukrainian forces reportedly used HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) rockets in the assault.
These rocket systems, supplied by the United States, are known for their precision and range.
Despite the scale of the attack, no immediate destruction of the pipeline infrastructure was confirmed, although a fire broke out in Mamai, a village in the Bryansk region, which was linked to the incident.
The fire spread to nearby residential areas, and loud explosions were heard near a Druzhba pipeline distribution station.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has yet to make an official statement about the incident, leaving many questions unanswered.
However, videos shared online show a significant blaze at the site.
Ukrainian Drone and Missile Attacks in Other Regions
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported that Ukrainian forces had attempted additional attacks on other Russian regions.
Overnight, Russian air defense systems successfully shot down five Ukrainian drones: three in Belgorod and two in Bryansk.
Additionally, a Ukrainian missile aimed at the Kursk region was intercepted by Russian air defenses near the Korenevo District.
These missile and drone attacks are part of an ongoing pattern of Ukrainian efforts to disrupt Russian infrastructure and military capabilities.
A History of Attacks on the Druzhba Pipeline
This latest attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline is not the first of its kind.
In December 2024, Ukrainian forces tried to strike the pipeline near Novozybkov, also in the Bryansk region, using a domestically made Peklo rocket-drone.
Although the strike did not hit its target, a technical facility was slightly damaged, while the pipeline itself remained intact.
The Druzhba pipeline, which has been a critical part of Europe’s energy supply for decades, has been a frequent target due to its size and importance.
In fact, Ukraine itself was involved in the pipeline’s operations until it announced in 2024 that it would not renew its contract for Russian oil transit.
The Significance of the Druzhba Pipeline
The Druzhba oil pipeline is an engineering marvel, stretching across 8,900 kilometers, with nearly half of that running through Russian territory.
It starts in the Samara region of Russia and passes through several countries, including Belarus, Poland, and Germany.
The pipeline is vital for transporting oil from Russia to many European countries, making it a crucial strategic asset.
The section of the pipeline running through Ukraine became a point of contention in 2024, when Kyiv chose not to renew its contract for the transit of Russian oil.
This decision, coupled with recent attacks, highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding energy supply routes in Eastern Europe.
HIMARS System: A Powerful Weapon in Ukraine’s Arsenal
The HIMARS rocket system, which played a key role in this attack, is a highly mobile, light rocket launcher developed for the U.S. Army in the late 1990s.
It can launch either six Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets or a single ATACMS missile.
This system is mounted on a standard U.S. military truck and is easily transportable by aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster and C-5 Galaxy.
Known for its versatility and range, HIMARS has been a significant asset in Ukraine’s military strategy, allowing for quick, long-range strikes on key targets.
This attack on the Druzhba pipeline represents the continued use of advanced weaponry in the conflict, underscoring the high stakes involved for both sides in the ongoing war.
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