Attack on the Azot Chemical Plant
In the early hours of June 26, Ukrainian drones targeted the Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk, located in Russia's Tula region. This facility is Russia's largest producer of ammonia and also manufactures raw materials used in explosives and ammunition. The assault sparked a fire, which was detected by the NASA FIRMS satellite system at the Novomoskovsk State District Power Plant (GRES).
The Novomoskovsk GRES supplies heat and hot water to 60% of the city's residential buildings and public institutions. The Azot plant is part of the EuroChem holding company, which between 2022 and 2024 shipped the following materials to the Sverdlov plant in Dzerzhinsk:
- 38,000 tons of acetic acid;
- nearly 5,000 tons of nitric acid.
These acids are essential for producing octogen and hexogen, key components used in artillery shells.
Repeated Strikes on the Facility
It is worth noting that the Azot plant had already caught fire due to a previous Ukrainian attack on the night of June 13–14. That same night, explosions were also reported in occupied Crimea. The situation around this facility remains tense, given its strategic role in Russia's military-industrial complex.
This latest attack underscores the critical importance of the Azot chemical plant to Russia's military infrastructure, as it serves as a primary supplier of raw materials for ammunition production. Such operations may reflect Ukraine's strategy to degrade the enemy's military capabilities. The recurrence of strikes on this target highlights its significance in the ongoing conflict and the escalating tensions in the region.
The ongoing drone strikes on the Azot chemical plant highlight the escalating military conflict in the region. This facility, crucial for supplying raw materials for munitions, has faced repeated attacks, raising questions about the strategic implications for Russia's military capabilities. For further insights into the recent developments surrounding this chemical plant, you can read more in our detailed coverage of the overnight drone strike targeting the facility.