Kyiv: Ukraine has announced that its long-range drones have successfully targeted and struck a significant Russian ammunition plant, escalating the ongoing conflict by putting additional pressure on Moscow's military supply network. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed on Monday that overnight drone strikes hit the Sverdlov ammunition plant located in the Nizhny Novgorod region, approximately 750 kilometers from Ukraine's border. The attack reportedly caused multiple explosions and ignited a fire at the facility, which is known for producing aviation and artillery ordnance, aerial bombs, and munitions for anti-aircraft and anti-tank use.
According to Deutsche Welle, the Ukrainian General Staff described the Sverdlov plant as one of Russia's largest producers of explosives, with the capability to manufacture almost all types of ammunition. In addition to the ammunition plant, Ukrainian drones targeted an oil terminal in Crimea, causing a fire, as well as an ammunition depot belonging to Russia's 18th Combined Arms Army. Russian authorities reported that this was one of the largest drone barrages by Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began, with 251 drones being shot down across 14 regions, Crimea, and areas near the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Nizhny Novgorod's Governor Gleb Nikitin stated that air defenses intercepted 20 drones aimed at an industrial zone that includes the ammunition plant, asserting that no facilities sustained damage. However, Ukraine’s attacks on such strategic sites are part of an ongoing effort to disrupt Russian President Vladimir Putin's military logistics and have previously resulted in fuel shortages within Russia.
In other developments, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported shelling near Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been without off-site power for nearly two weeks. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi expressed concerns over the increased nuclear safety risks at the site due to this shelling.
Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the ongoing issue of foreign components in Russian weapons systems. Despite international sanctions, these components continue to be utilized in Russian attacks on Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized the importance of closing all sanction loopholes to prevent further loss of life.
Meanwhile, Russian strikes have continued to impact Ukrainian cities, with a fire breaking out on the roof of a perinatal center in Sumy. Fortunately, all infants, patients, and staff were evacuated safely. In Kherson, a 69-year-old woman was killed, and 12 others were injured, including two minors, as a result of Russian attacks.