Ukrainian Drone Strike Disrupts Russian Fertilizer and Explosives Production
DOROGOBUZH, Russia – A Ukrainian drone strike has significantly damaged a key Russian facility producing ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound vital for both fertilizer and explosives, according to analysis of satellite imagery released Thursday. The attack, carried out using Ukrainian-made FP-1 drones, targeted the Dorogobuzh chemical plant in the Smolensk region, impacting approximately 10% of Russia’s total ammonium nitrate output from 2024.
The strike, confirmed by the OSINT project CyberBoroshno, appears aimed at weakening Russia’s industrial capacity to support its war effort, rather than directly targeting frontline military units. Images show widespread damage to production, storage, and transportation infrastructure within the plant complex. A chain of explosions rippled through the site, affecting areas used for automotive logistics, a railway terminal, and finished product warehousing.
Ammonium nitrate is a crucial component in many explosive formulations, used in mining, demolition, and military applications. Disrupting its production could therefore have both economic and military consequences for Russia.
“The attack appears aimed at disrupting industrial capacity supporting Russia’s defense and industrial sectors,” analysts noted.
The Dorogobuzh plant’s production serves not only the agricultural sector but also industries requiring nitrate-based compounds. The FP-1 drone, a Ukrainian long-range unmanned aerial vehicle, is designed for strikes on infrastructure targets deep within enemy territory, allowing Ukraine to target supply chains without risking manned aircraft.
The extent of the damage, visible in post-strike satellite imagery, includes the complete destruction of an industrial overpass and damage to nearby production equipment. Debris was scattered across a wide area.
This strike underscores a shift in Ukraine’s strategy, focusing on degrading Russia’s ability to sustain its military operations through attacks on critical infrastructure. The incident highlights the dual-use nature of chemicals like ammonium nitrate and the potential for such facilities to become legitimate targets during conflict.