Ukraine Targets Russian Chemical Plant in Drone Strike Near Tula
Ukraine launched a drone attack on a Russian chemical plant in Tula, a city in western Russia, from Friday night into early Saturday, according to Ukraine’s security service (SBU). Russian authorities have not publicly acknowledged the attack.
The SBU reported that the Aleksinsky chemical plant was struck by at least 13 Ukrainian drones, resulting in multiple explosions and heavy smoke. The plant’s staff were evacuated. The attack targeted a gunpowder production area, where clouds of orange smoke were seen due to the release of acids, the SBU stated. Additionally, there was confirmed damage to the nearby Aleksinskaya thermal power plant, specifically to a 110 kV power line.
Verified footage on social media, confirmed by CNN, shows the aftermath of the drone strike on the Aleksinsky chemical plant, located roughly 120 miles (200 km) south of Moscow. The plant is known to produce gunpowder and ammunition for the Russian military, according to the SBU. The attack triggered air raid sirens in various parts of Russia around 9:30 p.m. local time.
A source within the SBU described this strike as part of a larger “comprehensive operation” targeting Russian facilities involved in the ongoing war in Ukraine. “Destroying weapons depots, military airfields, and industrial sites in Russia’s military supply chain reduces its ability to wage war on our country,” the source explained.
Tula’s regional governor, Dmitriy Miliayev, acknowledged a drone attack from Ukraine but did not mention the chemical plant. He claimed the strike was intercepted by Russia’s air defense units, though falling debris damaged a private home’s windows. “The situation is under control, and there were no casualties,” Miliayev stated.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported, “Overnight, the Kyiv regime attempted a terrorist attack using airplane-type UAVs against facilities within Russian territory, which was successfully foiled.”
