Ukraine strikes 3 major Russian defense industry facilities overnight
Photo: Russian firefighters are putting out a fire at an oil refinery (Getty Images)
In Tatarstan, following an attack on the night of November 15, a fire broke out at a petrochemical plant and an oil refinery, while in the Bryansk region, the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck a helicopter manufacturing facility, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
One of the targets was PJSC Nizhnekamskneftekhim—one of Europe's largest petrochemical complexes and a key production site for the Sibur holding company. A fire broke out on the plant's grounds following the explosions.
The plant manufactures synthetic rubbers, including polyisoprene and butyl rubber, as well as plastics. These products are of great importance not only for civilian industry. They are used, in particular, in the production of tires for military trucks, armored vehicles, and aircraft, as well as seals, hoses, and other rubber components.
In addition, certain types of synthetic rubber are used as a binder in solid rocket propellant. It is used, in particular, in Iskander missiles. Thus, the plant's products are needed by various sectors of the Russian military-industrial complex.
Another facility targeted in Nizhnekamsk was the sole ELOU-AVT-7 primary processing unit at the TAIF-NK oil refinery. This is a large oil refining complex with a refining depth of over 95%.
The facility processes heavy, high-sulfur crude oil and gas condensate. Its products are used to produce mass-market fuel, as well as raw materials for the petrochemical industry and military needs. A fire was also reported on the refinery's premises.
The extent of the damage at both facilities in Tatarstan is currently being assessed.
In addition, on the same day, the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck the Monolit JSC in the city of Trubchevsk, Bryansk region. The company specializes in the production of aircraft, particularly helicopters. It also manufactures spare parts and components, and its operations include metalworking.
"Every day such plants are idle means fewer tires for vehicles transporting ammunition to the front, fewer rubber parts for armored vehicles and aircraft, fewer raw materials for the missile industry, and less fuel for the Russian Federation's army," Ukraine's General Staff concludes.
On the night of November 15, drones attacked the Rostov region of Russia. In Taganrog, the strike damaged a power substation that supplies electricity to the railroad. A substation in the Shubin neighborhood also caught fire.
In addition, in the Neklinovsky district, a bridge over the railroad tracks was damaged at the 64th kilometer of the R-280 highway, which runs from Rostov toward the occupied territories in southern Ukraine.
