Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces struck an explosive producing plant in Russia’s Vologda region on Monday. The Azot plant in Cherepovets city was hit with drones on April 13, with at least two successful hits recorded in the area.
The commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert “Madyar” Brovdi confirmed the attack in a post on Telegram app.
In his message, Brovdi made a pointed remark referencing the target, saying that the Cherepovets chemical plant—nicknamed “Apatite”—had received “homegrown Easter gifts” delivered by drone units under his command. He emphasized that the facility is a major chemical producer, generating vast quantities of ammonia, ammonium nitrate, and nitric acid each year. These substances, he noted, are key inputs in the manufacture of high explosives such as TNT and RDX, as well as other munitions-related components.
Reports of drone strikes targeting ammonia production units at the Cherepovets Azot plant began circulating online on April 13. Early information suggests that at least two successful hits were recorded.
The Cherepovets Azot facility is a significant contributor to Russia’s chemical industry, responsible for approximately 6% of the country’s ammonia production and about 10% of its overall ammonia output.
Earlier incidents in the region have also been reported. On March 27, Vologda region governor Georgy Filimonov stated that a drone attack led to eight recorded impacts at an industrial site in Cherepovets, while air defenses reportedly intercepted ten UAVs over the area. He claimed there was no resulting damage or casualties.
However, independent open-source intelligence analysis from Astra suggested additional impacts beyond official reports. According to their findings, drones may have also struck facilities belonging to Severstal, including a blast furnace workshop. Footage from the scene was reportedly captured roughly two kilometers from the center of the fire.
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