(SMOLENSK REGION, RUSSIA) – A Ukrainian drone strike has destroyed a chemical plant in Russia’s Smolensk region that produced explosives for the Russian military, according to satellite imagery and regional reports. Seven people were reported killed in the attack.
Before and after satellite images show extensive structural damage to the facility, including the destruction of a large green industrial building. The plant, described in some early reports as a fertiliser factory, manufactured explosives used in munitions deployed against Ukraine.
The strike follows other reported Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s defence industry. Footage released by Russian sources showed a cruise missile impact on the Votkinsk plant, which produces Iskander ballistic missiles. A large explosion followed the impact. Ukrainian officials later confirmed successful long range missile strikes at distances of up to 1,400 kilometres.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said production of the Flamingo cruise missile had resumed after earlier disruption caused by Russian attacks on manufacturing sites. He stated that several missiles launched in recent operations reached their targets despite interception attempts.
Ukraine’s Fire Point company also released footage of a test launch of its FP 7 ballistic missile. The system reportedly has a range of 200 kilometres and carries a 150 kilogram warhead. Company materials indicate further missile variants under development, including longer range systems.
Partisan activity inside Russia has also been reported. The Atesh group claimed responsibility for burning a Russian electronic warfare tower near Sevastopol in occupied Crimea.
On the battlefield, drone warfare continues to expand. Ukrainian forces released footage showing the destruction of a Pantsir S1 air defence system mounted on a mobile chassis. Separate strikes targeted fuel infrastructure in occupied Luhansk.
Bloomberg reported that sustained casualties may limit Russia’s ability to mount a major new offensive without further mobilisation. Russian state media sources said no deadlines had been set for ending the war, rejecting US presidential candidate Donald Trump’s recent call for a one month timetable.
In Belgorod region, authorities reported repeated missile and drone attacks, leaving many residents without reliable heating, electricity or water. The regional governor acknowledged growing public frustration.
Russian regional finances have deteriorated. Official data show a combined deficit of 1.48 trillion roubles in 2025, approximately 16.2 billion US dollars at current exchange rates, with 74 of 89 regions reporting budget shortfalls.
The Kremlin also alleged that the United Kingdom and France were preparing to supply nuclear weapons to Ukraine, a claim made without evidence and rejected by Western officials.
Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group arrived in the eastern Mediterranean amid tensions with Iran, which has rejected new US demands regarding its nuclear programme.
In the United Kingdom, a new Ukrainian drone production facility has opened in a small town, with plans to manufacture up to 1,000 drones per month.
Ukrainian officials reiterated that the war would continue until the country’s territorial integrity is restored.
