Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian forces have struck the “Metafrax Chemicals” plant located in Russia’s Perm region. This facility is deemed significant within the Russian chemical industry, with its products reportedly supporting various military manufacturing sectors.
In a Telegram post dated May 23, Zelensky expressed gratitude to the Security Service of Ukraine for the operation, noting the facility’s distance from Ukraine’s border is approximately 1,700 kilometers. He emphasized the plant’s role in producing materials essential for military applications, including aviation technology, drones, rocket engines, and explosives.
Earlier reports indicated that the Perm region experienced drone attacks during the night, as confirmed by regional governor Dmitry Mahonin. However, specific details regarding the incident were not disclosed. A Ukrainian monitoring channel, Exilenova+, claimed that a drone had hit the territory of the Metafrax chemical complex in Gubakha, which specializes in the production of ammonia, urea, and melamine.
Additional drone attacks were reported in other regions of Russia on the same night, including a fire at an oil depot in Novorossiysk following an aerial strike.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the destruction of 348 Ukrainian drones overnight, although independent verification of this claim is lacking.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, various sites within Russia have been subjected to airstrikes. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has confirmed many of these attacks, stating that Ukrainian defense forces are systematically implementing measures to diminish the combat capabilities of Russian occupying forces and to compel Russia to cease its armed aggression against Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces have targeted the Metafrax Chemicals facility in Russia, a key player in the country's military supply chain. This incident is part of a broader pattern of drone strikes affecting various regions in Russia amid ongoing conflict.