A major fire broke out at one of Russia’s largest chemical plants after a Ukrainian drone strike overnight on 11 December, according to Militarnyi. The attack targeted the Akron facility in Veliky Novgorod, a key manufacturer of ammonia and nitrate compounds, located nearly 700 kilometers from Ukraine and only 200 kilometers from the Estonian border.
Ukrainian drones hit Akron chemical plant in Veliky Novgorod
The drone strike took place in the early hours of 11 December. The Ukrainian Telegram channel Exilenova+ reported that at least five drones hit the facility, setting off explosions and a fire at the plant. The Akron site is among Russia’s largest chemical enterprises and produces mineral fertilizers, ammonia, nitric acid, and ammonium nitrate. Parts of its production and raw materials are reportedly dual-use, with some components used to manufacture explosives, Militarnyi noted.
Residents of Veliky Novgorod reported hearing the sounds of explosions and drones flying overhead during the night. Eyewitnesses shared video clips on social media showing the aftermath, including flames rising from the area near the plant. Footage from the site appeared on several Telegram channels. Exilenova+ posted several videos from the scene and used geolocation analysis to confirm that the fire broke out in the direction of the Akron plant.
One of the videos captured a drone rushing toward the facility, resembling the Ukrainian-made Liutyi drone.
Russia confirms drone attack, claims interception
Aleksandr Dronov, the governor of Novgorod Oblast, confirmed the drone attack around 4 a.m. He stated that air defenses and fighter jets were active over the oblast and claimed that 19 drones had been shot down. Dronov added that all emergency services were on high alert and asked residents to remain calm. However, he did not comment on the impact of the attack on the Akron facility itself.
