Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on May 23 that drones from the Security Service of Ukraine successfully struck a significant Russian military facility, “Metafrax Chemicals,” located approximately 1,700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Zelensky emphasized the strategic importance of this facility within Russia’s chemical industry, noting that its products support numerous other defense enterprises in the country. The materials produced at Metafrax are reportedly used in the manufacturing of aviation technology, drones, rocket engines, and explosives.
“Now the production process at the facility is halted. This is a crucial long-range sanction. Thank you,” Zelensky stated.
Reports from Russian Telegram channels indicated that drones targeted the city of Gubakha in the Perm region, with eyewitness accounts suggesting that the chemical complex “AKM,” part of Metafrax, was hit, resulting in a fire.
The facility specializes in the production of ammonia, urea, and melamine, with a daily capacity of nearly 900 tons of ammonia and over 1,600 tons of urea. This plant had previously been attacked by drones in February of this year.
Dmitry Mahonin, the Governor of the Perm region, confirmed the drone strike, stating that one local industrial enterprise sustained damage.
Additionally, on the night of May 23, a series of explosions were reported in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Krai, with preliminary information suggesting that two facilities—”Grushova Balka” oil depot and “Sheshcharis” oil terminal—may have been targeted.
Ukrainian drones have successfully targeted a significant Russian chemical facility, disrupting its production capabilities. This strike reflects ongoing military actions amid the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.