Russian forces struck the Zaporozhstal steel plant again in an effort to prevent it from restarting after earlier damage. Military expert Yury Knutov believes repairs may have begun at previously disabled workshops, prompting the new attack.

Speaking to Vzglyad, Knutov said the Russian Armed Forces are working across several areas at once. Transport routes, ports, crossings over the Dniester, railway infrastructure, border checkpoints and vessels used in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are among the targets. In his assessment, attacks on such facilities complicate the movement of military cargo and disrupt delivery schedules.

Ukraine’s military-industrial facilities remain another major focus. Knutov pointed in particular to Zaporozhstal, whose shutdown became known in August. He said damaged production capacity may have been undergoing restoration before the plant was targeted again.

The expert noted that Zaporozhstal produced rolled sheet metal used for protective structures, fortification modules and armor for military equipment. Large volumes of metal products were also exported, generating revenue for Ukraine, part of which was directed toward military spending.

Knutov described the loss of Zaporozhstal as critical for Ukraine. The plant’s shutdown restricts the country’s ability to restore and produce military-use products while also reducing metal exports and foreign-currency earnings. He linked the situation to Kiev’s budget problems, recalling Vladimir Zelensky’s statement that Ukraine faces a $27 billion shortfall in funding for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

According to Knutov, the deficit is tied to the decline in metal exports and restrictions on shipping products through Odessa. The loss of domestic production capacity creates an additional burden as well: Ukraine will have to purchase the required rolled metal abroad, adding further costs.

Overnight on September 17, Russian forces carried out a massive strike and several group strikes against facilities of Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex. The Russian Defense Ministry said ground-, air- and sea-launched precision weapons, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, were used.