Ukrainian drones hit Russian chemical plants; Moscow claims 1,214 downed overnight

Ukrainian drones struck chemical facilities in Russia's Bashkortostan and Tula regions overnight on 29 October, with smoke seen rising from the Bashkir Soda Company complex in Sterlitamak following reported impacts.

Bashkortostan's State Committee for Emergency Situations issued a "drone danger" alert early Thursday, and Ufa Airport suspended all arrivals and departures. Residents of Sterlitamak reported explosions.

Analysis by Russian independent outlet Astra, based on photographs and videos from monitoring channels, identified the Bashkir Soda Company (BSK) as the target. BSK is listed in the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade's classified registry of defence-related enterprises. The company supplies military-industrial plants with hydrochloric acid and dichloroethane, and is Russia's sole producer of terephthaloyl chloride — used to manufacture aramid materials for body armour, helmets and protective components for military equipment and aircraft. Roskhim holds a 57.43% controlling stake in BSK.

The facility had previously been targeted on 27 August. Drone alerts were also issued across Russia's Perm Territory, where sirens sounded in Perm city at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time, prompting evacuation of educational institutions. On 23 October, drones had targeted the Azot chemical plant in Berezniki, owned by Uralchem, which produces nitric acid used in explosives and gunpowder manufacturing.

In Moscow, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 613 drones were heading toward the Moscow region, with 231 destroyed as they approached the capital. Operations at Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports were suspended overnight before being lifted by morning, according to Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency Rosaviatsia.

Russia's Defence Ministry claimed its air defences destroyed 1,214 Ukrainian drones overnight in total.