Explosions rock military factory near Russia's Chelyabinsk, casualties reported
Illustrative photo: In Chelyabinsk region, strong explosions were heard in the city of Kopeysk (Getty Images)
In Russia's Chelyabinsk region, strong explosions were heard in the city of Kopeysk on the evening of October 22. Preliminary reports indicate they occurred at a local military ammunition factory, according to the Russian Telegram channel Astra and local authorities.
Initially, it was reported that the blasts occurred in Chelyabinsk, with a massive column of smoke visible over the city. However, it later became clear that the explosion happened at a factory in Kopeysk, near the regional center.
Chelyabinsk Governor Alexey Teksler confirmed the explosion, stating that it affected one of the enterprises in Kopeysk.
"Unfortunately, there are fatalities. All emergency services have arrived on site, and a command post has been deployed. There is no threat to the city's residents or civilian objects. Information will be updated as it becomes available," he added.
It is currently unknown exactly which enterprise was affected. Russian channels report that the explosions occurred at the Plastmas military plant, which operates in support of the Russian army. Kopeysk also has an ammunition factory that was involved in a 2023 scandal, when Russian officials embezzled huge sums under the guise of modernization.
Russian media also reported a drone attack. After the explosions, a drone strike threat was announced in the Cheyabinsk region.
The distance from Ukraine's borders to Chelyabinsk and Kopeysk, which is effectively a suburb of the regional center, is about 2,000 kilometers. If this was indeed a drone strike, it would mark another record-breaking long-range operation by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
On the night of October 22, Ukrainian Forces struck a defense factory in Saransk, which produces ammunition, as well as the Makhachkala oil refinery in Dagestan, Russia. Both facilities experienced powerful explosions.
According to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Ukrainian forces are actively targeting key enemy facilities: command and control centers, defense industry facilities, and energy infrastructure.
