Ukrainian Drones Strike Key Russian Petrochemical Facility

Ukrainian drones have reportedly struck the Stavrolen petrochemical plant in Russia’s Stavropol territory, sparking a fire at one of the country’s key industrial sites.

The alleged attack took place in Budyonnovsk. Videos and photos shared on social media by local residents show large flames rising from the Stavrolen plant, though the footage has not been independently verified, The Caspian Post reports, citing Ukrainian media.

Stavrolen, a subsidiary of energy giant Lukoil, is one of Russia’s largest petrochemical enterprises, producing polyethylene, polypropylene, benzene, and other industrially critical materials. Ukraine’s General Staff has previously stated the plant also manufactures components for Russian military equipment, including drone parts, composite materials, insulation, and seals.

Neither Ukrainian nor Russian authorities have officially confirmed the strike, and the full extent of damage remains unclear. Prior to the reported explosions, Stavropol territory Governor Vladimir Vladimirov had warned residents of a potential drone threat in the region.

The incident comes amid Kyiv’s intensified long-range drone campaign targeting Russian military and industrial infrastructure, focusing on oil, gas, and petrochemical facilities that are seen as major sources of revenue for Russia’s war effort.

The Stavrolen plant is located roughly 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Ukraine’s eastern border and has been targeted previously. In November, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces confirmed a “successful fire attack” on the facility.