Ukraine has targeted a major Russian explosives plant overnight as it sent hundreds of kamikaze drones into Vladimir Putin’s territory.
A succession of loud explosions were reported at the Sverdlov Plant in Dzerzhinsk, with clouds of white smoke rising from the enterprise in Nizhny Novgorod region in the wake of the attacks.
It is one of the largest Russian producers of industrial explosives, and also manufactures aviation and artillery shells, aerial bombs, components for cumulative anti-tank guided missiles, and warheads for air defence systems.
Footage showed a bright flash in what appeared to be a direct hit on the strategic plant. Russian air defences around the plant were also active, where locals reported ten or more explosions.
All major Western countries have sanctioned the Dzerzhinsk plant and Ukraine as a key supplier for Putin’s war machine.
Four firefighters were reported wounded after the strike. Separately, huge explosions were recorded on videos in both Oryol and Lipetsk cities amid attacks from Ukrainian kamikaze drones.
The targets in these regions – both key locations for Russia’s military-industrial complex – were unclear immediately. The Russian defence ministry claimed to have shot down 110 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 18 in Oryol region, and 27 in Lipetsk region.
One targeting Moscow region was downed but more were reported, according to the ministry.
Kazan airport was closed this morning amid suspected drone strikes. A day earlier a key Russian microelectronics plant caught fire after a jet-powered kamikaze drone strike by Ukraine.
The vast Kremniy El complex in the Bryansk region reportedly manufactures microchips for Vladimir Putin’s deadly Iskander ballistic missiles. With 1,700-plus workers, it is one of the biggest electronics bases in Russia and also makes key hi-tech parts for multiple other lethal weapons.
Locals said the plant was ablaze following the thunderous nighttime strikes as Ukraine penetrated Russian air defences. Pictures showed significant damage to a plant building after the fire.
Meanwhile, 17 people were injured as a result of the night attack of the Russian Armed Forces on Kryvyi Rih.
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