A Ukrainian drone strike on a fertiliser plant in Russia’s western Smolensk region has left seven people dead and 10 others injured, according to Russian officials. The facility, located near the town of Dorogobuzh about 290 kilometres (180 miles) from the Ukrainian border, was reportedly set ablaze in the early hours of Wednesday, with unverified social media footage showing flames and thick smoke rising into the night sky.
Smolensk region governor Vasily Anokhin said, “The enemy struck PJSC Dorogobuzh, a civilian plant producing nitrogen fertiliser,” while Russia’s Investigative Committee confirmed that seven people were killed after initially reporting a lower toll.
Authorities stated that Ukraine launched “at least 30 drones equipped with explosive devices,” resulting in “significant damage.” Emergency crews managed to contain the fire, and officials considered evacuating residents from a nearby village as a precaution. The plant had reportedly been targeted in a previous attack in December. Ukraine, which denies deliberately targeting civilians, did not immediately comment on the incident.
Since Russia began its offensive in 2022, Kyiv has launched thousands of drones into Russian territory, frequently striking industrial and energy sites. Ukrainian officials say the attacks are a response to Russian strikes on civilian areas and critical infrastructure in Ukraine, which they argue have caused widespread casualties and destruction.
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