A Ukrainian drone attack on a fertiliser plant in Russia’s western Smolensk region has killed seven people and injured 10 others, Russian officials said.
The plant, located just outside the town of Dorogobuzh, lies around 290km (180 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Unverified social media images appeared to show flames and smoke rising from the site early on Wednesday.
“The enemy struck PJSC Dorogobuzh, a civilian plant producing nitrogen fertiliser,” Vasily Anokhin, governor of Smolensk region, wrote on Telegram.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelRussia’s Investigative Committee, responsible for probing major crimes, later confirmed seven deaths, calling the strike one of the deadliest attacks on a Russian industrial site since the start of the war.
According to Russian officials, Ukraine launched “at least 30 drones equipped with explosive devices,” causing “significant damage.” Fires at the plant were brought under control by rescuers on Wednesday morning, and authorities were considering evacuating residents from nearby villages.
The plant had also been targeted in December 2025, Russian media reported.
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Ukraine, which denies targeting civilians, did not immediately comment on the strike. Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Kyiv has launched thousands of drone attacks across the border, often targeting industrial sites, including oil and gas facilities, causing billions of dollars in damage.
Kyiv describes these strikes as retaliation for Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
