Photo: ZN
A series of explosions was reported overnight on October 28 at the Novomoskovsk Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk, Tula region, one of Russia’s largest chemical facilities and its largest nitrogen fertilizer producer, part of the EuroChem group.
The plant produces ammonium nitrate, ammonia, nitric acid, urea and methanol. According to analysts at Exilenova+, Russia uses chemicals manufactured at the facility, including in the production of explosives.
The plant plays an important role in Russia’s military-industrial complex. Novomoskovsk Azot has supplied nitric acid to the Sverdlov plant in Dzerzhinsk, which manufactures explosives.
OSINT analysts published photos and videos showing a large fire at the facility. The fire was reportedly recorded at the AM-70 ammonia production unit.
Dmitry Milyaev, governor of Russia’s Tula region, confirmed an attack on the region and reported damage to infrastructure in Novomoskovsk’s industrial zone.
This was the second reported attack on the Azot plant. Ukrainian drones struck the facility in June this year.
Recently, Ukrainian forces also struck the Tolyattikauchuk plant in Russia’s Samara region, which manufactures synthetic rubber.
In addition, Ukraine’s military destroyed the main microchip production workshop at the Proton-Electrotex facility in Russia’s Oryol region and significantly damaged a workshop producing power cells for missiles and aerial bombs at the Energiya plant in Lipetsk region.
