A drone strike launched from Ukraine targeted a fertiliser plant in Russia’s Smolensk region, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and injuring 10 others, as confirmed by Russian authorities on Wednesday. The plant, situated near Dorogobuzh, approximately 290 kilometres (180 miles) from the Ukrainian border, was reportedly engulfed in flames with plumes of smoke visible in unverified images circulating on social media.
Governor Vasily Anokhin of the Smolensk region revealed that the attack hit the civilian facility, PJSC Dorogobuzh, responsible for nitrogen fertiliser production. The Russian Investigative Committee later updated the casualty count to seven fatalities, marking one of the most fatal assaults on a Russian industrial site during the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine disclosed that about 30 drones armed with explosives were deployed in the assault, inflicting substantial damage. By the following morning, firefighters managed to contain the fires, while authorities contemplated evacuating residents from the nearby village for their safety, according to Governor Anokhin.
In other developments, lead Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov is set to meet with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva today, announced Kyiv, preceding anticipated trilateral discussions with Russia slated for early March. Ukrainian President Zelensky informed reporters, including those from AFP, about the preparatory discussions for the upcoming trilateral meeting.
Simultaneously, Ukraine’s ambassador Valeriy Zaluzhnyi disclosed that the inaugural Ukrainian drone manufacturing facility has commenced operations in the United Kingdom. Zaluzhnyi highlighted Ukrspecsystems, established in 2014, as the producer demonstrating the effectiveness of its drones in combat scenarios.
Zaluzhnyi emphasized that amidst the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine, such as missile strikes and infrastructure threats, the decision to launch production in the UK holds strategic significance. He clarified that this move does not signify a shift away from Ukraine but rather an enhancement of joint capabilities to combat adversities collectively.
