Ukrainian forces strike deep inside Russia; number of military plants hit is rapidly increasing

[Starmix]

According to the report, Ukrainian drones struck two industrial plants in Russia, targeting one of the country's largest nitrogen fertilizer producers in Stavropol Krai and a major fuel catalyst facility in Samara Oblast, according to Russian regional officials. Ukrainian forces regularly launch long-range drone strikes against Russia's military and industrial targets in the rear, aiming to undermine its ability to wage its all-out war. Ukrainian authorities have not officially commented on the reported attacks. Nevinnomyssk Azot is among Russia's top producers of ammonia and nitrogen fertilizers, and hosts the country's only production lines for methyl acetate and high-purity acetic acid. It also operates Russia’s first melamine production facility, according to open-source data. The plant, which produces up to one million tons of ammonia and over one million tons of ammonium nitrate annually, is "a critical element of Russia's military-industrial complex," Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, said.

The report also stated that Kovalenko noted that ammonium nitrate is a key component for explosives and artillery shells. He added that the plant also synthesizes dual-use chemicals such as melamine, acetic acid, methanol, and potassium nitrate, frequently used in the production of grenade launchers, mines, and rocket charges. Since 2024, the plant has been producing water-soluble fertilizers, which he said have been adapted to serve military chemical needs. In Russia's Samara Oblast, a separate drone strike reportedly damaged the Novokuybyshevsk Catalyst Plant, the country's largest specialized facility for producing catalysts used in petroleum refining and petrochemicals. Kovalenko said the plant has a strategic role, stating that without its output, Russia's oil refineries, and by extension, its supply of aviation fuel, diesel for armored vehicles, and rocket propellant, would be severely affected.

The report added that recently, units of the Unmanned Systems Forces, together with other components of the Defense Forces, struck the Tambov gunpowder factory, causing a fire there. The military command explained that such a plant is one of the main facilities of the Russian military-industrial complex. It produces gunpowder for various types of weapons, artillery, and rocket systems. It also produces coloxylin, which is used in the creation of various explosives. The Bolkhov Semiconductor Device Plant in Russia’s Oryol region came under attack. Residents reported hearing a series of loud explosions, and drone activity was observed in the area. Meanwhile, residents of Russia’s Tula and Ryazan regions also reported loud explosions following drone strike alerts. Within the context of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Ukrainian forces strike military targets on Russian territory as part of their politico-military Grand Strategy.

Watch the report on the YouTube link