Drone attack sparks fire at factory in Veliky Novgorod
On the night of December 11, a major fire broke out at a chemical plant in Veliky Novgorod, Russia, following an attack by unknown drones.
The affected facility was PAO "Acron", which sustained damage from the drone strike that preceded the fire. Reports indicate that at least five explosions were heard during the attack, igniting several production units at the plant.
According to the pro-Ukrainian Telegram channel Exilenova+, Acron produces items with dual-use potential: besides mineral fertilizers, some products are used in the manufacture of explosives.
The fire was confirmed by Novgorod Oblast Governor Alexander Dronov, who also noted that 19 drones were shot down overnight.
This incident occurred amid an escalation of drone attacks, as the same drones had attempted strikes on Moscow, leading to the suspension of operations at several airports in the capital. As a result, multiple flights were canceled, and a “red” drone alert was declared across Moscow Oblast.
The Acron plant is a significant part of Russia’s military-industrial complex, producing large volumes of ammonia and ammonium nitrate. Consequently, these attacks could have serious implications for both industrial output and national defense capabilities.
Previously, the Syzran Oil Refinery, owned by Russian state corporation Rosneft, was forced to fully halt operations after a successful Ukrainian drone strike.
Other drone attacks also targeted a factory in Cheboksary and locations in Saratov Oblast, where explosions were reported.
