Ukraine executed one of its most significant overnight drone attacks of the conflict, targeting a major chemical facility in Russia’s Tula region for the second time within two weeks. This marks a clear escalation in Kyiv’s efforts to strike industrial sites linked to Russia’s war machinery.
Russian regional officials reported damage to an industrial complex in Novomoskovsk, located roughly 200 kilometers south of Moscow. Although Governor Dmitry Milyayev did not specify the exact site, multiple Russian and Ukrainian sources, along with media outlets, identified the target as the Azot chemical plant.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has previously highlighted the Azot plant as a critical supplier for Russia’s explosives manufacturing. The facility, recognized as Russia’s largest producer of ammonia and nitrogen fertilizers, was also struck by Ukrainian drones on June 14.
This recent assault aligns with Ukraine’s broader strategy of disrupting Russia’s industrial and energy infrastructure far from the front lines. By targeting such facilities, Kyiv aims to impair military production capabilities and impose economic strain on Moscow.
Throughout this year, Ukrainian forces have increasingly focused on attacking oil refineries, fuel depots, ports, and manufacturing plants. They often revisit the same targets within days or weeks to hinder repair efforts and delay the resumption of operations.
Governor Milyayev noted that the drone attack also damaged electricity lines in the Tula region, resulting in injuries to one woman. Emergency responders are actively addressing the affected areas, though the full extent of the damage has yet to be disclosed.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 660 Ukrainian drones across 12 Russian regions and Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014.
State news agency TASS described this as the largest drone offensive launched by Ukraine so far this year. The surge in drone strikes reflects both sides’ reliance on long-range unmanned operations, with Ukraine aiming to weaken Russia’s military-industrial base while Moscow continues its frontline offensive.
