Drones hit key chemical plant for missile production in Russia: Video
Illustrative photo: drones struck a chemical plant in Russia (t.me/mchs_official)
In Russia, unknown drones attacked the Shchekinoazot chemical plant in the Tula region. The enterprise produces substances used in the manufacturing of missiles and drones, according to Astra and Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, on Telegram.
As reported online, drones attacked Shchekinoazot on the night of July 17. Astra, citing a source in the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, states that at least four drones struck the plant, causing a fire to break out.
Employees of the plant told the outlet that the strike damaged one of the rectification columns as well as a high-pressure steam pipeline between the storage facility and the combined heat and power plant. The pipeline supplies high-pressure superheated steam from the power plant to the technological units.
Additionally, the roof of the furnace on the methanol production line was damaged.
After the attack, the plant likely ceased its operations. Employees were evacuated.
Kovalenko’s clarification
Kovalenko confirmed that "something exploded" at Shchekinoazot in the Tula region.
He specified that the plant produces ammonia, methanol, and urea. These substances are the basis for explosives, rocket fuel, and synthetic materials for the defense industry.
"Without this enterprise, the production cycle of rockets, drones, and explosives for the Russian army is disrupted," said the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.
Cyberattack on Russian drone manufacturer
On July 15, RBC-Ukraine's sources reported that cyber specialists from the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense attacked the Russian company Gaskar Integration, one of the largest drone manufacturers.
Sources told the outlet that this cyberattack effectively paralyzed the company's operations.
