Drones hit industrial site in Russia's Novomoskovsk, likely targeting Azot chemical plant

The official said that, in addition to an industrial enterprise in Novomoskovsk, the attack damaged a power line. Emergency services were working at the scene.

He also claimed that a private home in a settlement in Shchyokino district was damaged in the attack. According to him, a woman was injured there and received medical assistance.

Milyaev added that Russian air defenses shot down 73 drones overnight.

According to Telegram channels, explosions and drone flyovers were heard in the city for several hours. Local residents reported a smell of ammonia in the air and problems with electricity supply.

Azot is one of Russia’s largest chemical plants. It produces ammonia, nitric acid, methanol and mineral fertilizers, as well as chemical raw materials used in the manufacture of explosives and ammunition.

Explosions were also reported in occupied Kerch.

The Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk was last attacked overnight into June 14. In that same wave, an oil depot in Rybinsk in Russia’s Yaroslavl Oblast also came under attack.

According to Russian state news agency TASS, the overnight attack into Friday was the largest since the start of the year. Russia’s Defense Ministry said 660 drones were shot down over Russian regions.

“The previous largest drone attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Russian regions since the beginning of the year was repelled on May 17. At that time, air defense systems shot down and intercepted 556 UAVs. Overnight into June 18, 555 UAVs were shot down and intercepted over Russian regions,” the report said.