Redkino Plant Struck
On the night of February 7, 2023, an attack targeted the Redkino Experimental Chemical Plant in Russia's Tver region. This facility is of strategic importance due to its specialization in producing fuel additives, technical chemicals, and special reagents. Its output is critical for Russia's aviation and defense industries, as well as for military and dual-use programs. This strike is part of a wider series of attacks on Russian territory that occurred in January and February, including against targets in Belgorod, Rostov-on-Don, the Volgograd region, and Krasnodar.
Previous Attacks and Their Consequences
The prior attacks had varied impacts. For instance, an assault on the night of February 5 in Belgorod and Rostov-on-Don, which preliminary reports suggest may have involved HIMARS systems, resulted in a blackout in Belgorod and the surrounding region. Other incidents include:
- A fire at an oil refinery in the Volgograd region on January 10;
- Restricted operations at Krasnodar's airport due to security threats;
- A fire at an oil depot in the Oktyabrsky district of the Volgograd region caused by falling debris.
Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region, stated he would not publish a detailed schedule for repair work to prevent follow-up strikes, highlighting security concerns for critical infrastructure. The attack on the Redkino plant, a key player in Russia's chemical industry, could have significant repercussions for the country's ability to meet its defense requirements. These strikes on strategic Russian assets underscore the growing vulnerability of infrastructure vital to its military-industrial complex. In the context of the ongoing regional conflict, such events reflect evolving military tactics that may influence the near-term course of events.