A Ukrainian drone attack on chemical plants in the city of Dorogobuzh in Smolensk Oblast resulted in four deaths and injuries to ten others. The incident occurred overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. The regional governor, Vasily Anokhin, described the attack as 'barbaric'. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the downing of 14 drones but did not comment on reports of casualties. The plants in Dorogobuzh produce, among other things, ammonia, used in the manufacture of explosives. Classes in all schools in the city have been canceled.

Fatalities and Injuries

According to Governor Vasily Anokhin, four people were killed and ten were injured in the attack. The victims are employees of the targeted factory. They have been transported to a medical facility where they are receiving assistance.

Attack on a Key Facility

The target of the attack was the chemical plant in Dorogobuzh, which is involved in the production of, among other things, ammonia – a component of explosives. This facility had already been attacked by Ukrainian drones in November and December 2025.

Reaction of Russian Authorities

The Russian Ministry of Defense, in its morning report, only confirmed the downing of 14 Ukrainian drones over Smolensk Oblast, making no mention of civilian casualties. Simultaneously, local authorities implemented remedial measures, including the cancellation of school classes.

Situation at the Scene

Following the attack, a fire broke out at the scene, which rescue workers are battling. The evacuation of residents from nearby towns is being considered. Witnesses reported hearing a series of explosions.

On the night of February 24-25, a Ukrainian drone attack targeted chemical plants in the city of Dorogobuzh in Russia's Smolensk Oblast. According to local authorities, four people were killed and ten were injured. The governor of Smolensk Oblast, Vasily Anokhin, in a Telegram message described the attack as 'barbaric' and reported that the victims were employees of the targeted enterprise. The plants in Dorogobuzh, located about 80 kilometers east of Smolensk, are engaged in the production of nitrogen fertilizers, including ammonia, which is a key component of explosives. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainian forces have increasingly used drones to attack strategic targets deep within Russian territory. The goal of these operations is to disrupt the enemy's logistical chains and arms production. The Russian Ministry of Defense, in its morning report, confirmed the downing of 14 unmanned aerial vehicles over Smolensk Oblast but did not address reports of civilian casualties, indicating possible discrepancies in official accounts. Rescue operations and firefighting are ongoing at the scene. Local authorities, to ensure safety, have canceled classes in all schools in Dorogobuzh and are considering evacuating residents from the immediate vicinity. This factory had already been the target of similar attacks at the end of 2025, underscoring its strategic importance. „„À la suite d'une attaque terroriste barbare des forces armées ukrainiennes, quatre employés de l'usine ont été tués et dix autres blessés”” — Vasily Anokhin This attack fits into a broader Ukrainian strategy of shifting hostilities onto Russian territory and striking its industrial capabilities, especially those related to the military-industrial complex. The situation in the region remains tense, and local authorities are monitoring threats to the civilian population.

Mentioned People

  • Wasilij Anochin — Governor of Smolensk Oblast in Russia, who reported on the casualties from the drone attack.