**Ukraine Strikes Russian Chemical and Fuel Industry Plants with Drones**
In a bold move, Ukraine’s military has targeted two major facilities in Russia with drone strikes overnight. The attacks aimed at the Nevinnomyssk Azot chemical plant in Stavropol Krai and the Novokuybyshevsk Catalyst Plant in Samara Oblast.
According to Ukraine’s General Staff, the strikes were part of an effort to disrupt Russia’s ability to produce explosives and ammunition. The statement said that Ukrainian drone systems, working in coordination with other defense units, hit critical facilities of Russia’s military-industrial complex overnight.
**Critical Infrastructure Hit**
The Nevinnomyssk Azot plant is a key supplier of raw materials and components for Russia’s weapons and fuel production. It produces up to one million tons of ammonia and over one million tons of ammonium nitrate annually. Ammonium nitrate is a crucial component for explosives and artillery shells.
The Novokuybyshevsk Catalyst Plant, on the other hand, is responsible for producing catalysts used in petroleum refining and petrochemicals. This plant has a strategic role in Russia’s oil industry, as it supplies aviation fuel, diesel for armored vehicles, and rocket propellant.
**Russian Denials**
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that they intercepted a total of 66 drones overnight across several regions. However, the effectiveness of this interception is questionable, given the successful strikes on two major facilities.
**Consequences and Analysis**
The impact of these drone strikes will be significant for Russia’s military-industrial complex. The disruption in production will likely lead to shortages of essential components, further weakening Russia’s ability to wage war.
Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, said that the plant in question is “a critical element of Russia’s military-industrial complex.” He added that ammonium nitrate is a key component for explosives and artillery shells, making this strike particularly effective.
**What’s Next?**
As tensions continue to rise between Ukraine and Russia, these drone strikes demonstrate Ukraine’s commitment to disrupting Russia’s war efforts. The effectiveness of these attacks will likely prompt further retaliatory measures from Russia, escalating the conflict.
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