Unverified footage on social media indicated that a key chemical plant in Russia may have been struck. Additionally, the UK has intercepted a Russian shadow fleet tanker.
A wave of Ukrainian drones targeted several industrial sites across Russia during an overnight attack, authorities reported on Sunday.
Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that a total of 249 aerial objects were shot down nationwide. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said multiple drones had been neutralized in the capital region.
In the southern part of Moscow, debris from a downed drone landed on the grounds of a chemical plant, Governor Dmitri Miyaev announced on Telegram.
Ukraine has been resisting Russia’s full-scale invasion, which started over four years ago. In recent months, it has intensified long-range drone strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure and other facilities crucial to Moscow’s war efforts.
Russia has retaliated with drones and missiles targeting locations across Ukraine. However, analysts suggest that on the battlefield, Russia’s offensive is showing signs of losing momentum.
Putin acknowledges Ukraine’s drones are damaging Russia’s economy
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Asot chemical plant reportedly struck
Video footage and reports on social media showed a blaze, suggesting that the Asot facility was hit. The footage has not been verified.
Asot is one of Russia’s largest chemical plants and plays a significant role in its war in Ukraine. While it mainly produces fertilizer, the facility also manufactures components for ammunition used in defense industries.
Governor Miyaev did not immediately provide details on the extent of the damage or potential health risks to the local population.
Meanwhile, Governor Mikhail Yevrayev of the Yaroslavl Region reported a drone attack on industrial facilities used for fuel storage. He stated that a fire erupted, but no injuries occurred.
UK intercepts Russia’s shadow fleet tanker
In other war-related developments, British Forces on Sunday intercepted a sanctioned oil tanker from Russia’s shadow fleet as it traversed the English Channel, the Defense Ministry said.
In the first UK-led operation of its kind, the vessel SMYRTOS was boarded by Royal Marine Commandos and law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency, the ministry statement noted.
Russia relies on its shadow fleet to sell oil while evading sanctions, which in turn finances its conflict in Ukraine.
"This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide," Starmer said in a post on X.
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Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez