Ukrainian drones strike Russia’s largest explosives plant 900 km from border (updated)
The facility produces explosives, artillery shells, aerial bombs, missile warheads, and other munitions used against Ukraine.
Update. The Ukrainian General Staff has confirmed attacks on two strategic Russian targets: the Sverdlov Plant in Dzerzhinsk, which stores guided aerial bombs used against Ukrainian frontline cities, and the Lipetsk-2 military airfield in Lipetsk Oblast. At Lipetsk-2, Ukrainian forces targeted ammunition depots, fuel storage, and aviation equipment. The airbase houses enemy Su-34, Su-35, and MiG-31 aircraft. Multiple explosions and increased Russia’s air defense activity were reported at both locations. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
On the night of 20 October, drones operated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), Special Operations Forces (SSO), and Defense Intelligence (HUR) struck the Sverdlov Plant in Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia. Several Ukrainian media outlets reported this, citing sources in Ukrainian intelligence services.
This attack is part of a broader pattern of intensified Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian military and fuel facilities this year. These operations have significantly disrupted supplies crucial for the Russian military’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
The Sverdlov Plant, a key component of Russia’s military-industrial complex, is under sanctions from the EU and the US. The facility manufactures explosives, aviation and artillery shells, aerial bombs (including precision-guided munitions), warheads for anti-tank guided missiles, and warheads for air defense missile systems. These are the same weapons that have been raining down on Ukrainian cities and civilians throughout the war. The plant is located approximately 900 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Early Sunday, drones struck the Sverdlov Plant in Dzerzhinsk, which produces explosives for Russia's military. Residents reported explosions and gunfire around 5 AM.
Gov. Nikitin says air defenses repelled the attack, but 4 firefighters were injured. Ukraine has not commented… pic.twitter.com/tjsstVq5xH
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) October 20, 2024
“We’ve added drone strikes to the economic sanctions, which provide an immediate effect. Our efforts to reduce Russia’s military capabilities will continue,” a source told NV.
Residents of Dzerzhinsk reported explosions around 5:00 AM, followed by gunfire. Witnesses described seeing smoke rising from the industrial zone. Governor Gleb Nikitin claimed that air defenses repelled the attack, though four firefighters suffered shrapnel injuries.
Read more:
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- Russia launches over 100 air targets across Ukraine overnight, causing civilian casualties
- CNN follows Ukraine’s Liutyi drone strike on ammo depot on Russian soil
- France successfully tests new kamikaze drone, Ukraine delivery imminent
- Ukrainian-made Stick M12 loitering munition boasts 70 km range
- Meet “Liutyi,” Ukraine’s homegrown drone behind strikes on Russian oil refineries
- Ukraine’s Tver ammo depot attack featuring jet drones lowers Russian threat to Baltics
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