Seven civilians have been killed and at least ten others injured in a Ukrainian drone raid on a chemical plant in Smolensk Region, western Russia, the country’s Investigative Committee reported on Wednesday.
The agency stated that the Ukrainian military used at least 30 UAVs in the attack on the facility.
The strike was previously reported by Smolensk Governor Vasily Anokhin on social media, stating that Ukrainian forces targeted the ‘Dorogobuzh’ plant, which produces nitrogen fertilizer, and that several employees “tragically died while performing their professional duties.” Those injured in the attack have been taken to a healthcare facility, the governor said.
Schools in Smolensk, which is located near the Russia-Belarus border, have been switched to distance learning after the latest Ukrainian attack, while kindergartens have been shut down for the day for safety reasons, Anokhin added.
The governor also reported that the overnight strike caused several fires at the facility. Emergency workers have localized the flames, but in order to minimize possible threats to the population, the evacuation of residents of a nearby village is being considered.
The Russian Defense Ministry previously reported that a total of 69 Ukrainian drones had been downed overnight, including 14 above Smolensk Region and 24 over Bryansk Region.
Russian border regions have consistently been targeted by Ukrainian drones throughout the conflict, with Moscow accusing Kiev of “terrorism” and deliberately attacking civilians and critical infrastructure.
Earlier this month, the local authorities said a wave of Ukrainian strikes damaged energy infrastructure in Belgorod Region, leading to widespread power outages and disruption of heating and water supplies.
In response to the attacks on border areas and deeper into Russia, Moscow has targeted Ukraine’s defense-related infrastructure, including energy facilities. Russian officials insist the attacks never target civilians.