Category
Latest news

Drone Strike Hits Shahed Factory and Chemical Plant Deep Inside Russia, Video

2 min read
Authors
Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
Author
Drone Strike Hits Shahed Factory and Chemical Plant Deep Inside Russia, Video
Explosion at the Shahed drone production facility in Yelabuga, Tatarstan on May 26, 2025. (Source: Militarny)

Unidentified drones struck a Shahed drone production facility in Yelabuga, Tatarstan, and a chemical plant in Russia’s Ivanovo region overnight, according to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation on May 26.

“Despite the enemy’s own strikes, unidentified drones hit Yelabuga, where ‘Shaheds’ are manufactured, and a chemical plant in the Ivanovo region that produces components for Russian military equipment and weapons, including missiles,” Kovalenko stated.

According to local sources and footage shared online, the Yelabuga plant—located within the Alabuga Special Economic Zone—was targeted by explosive-laden drones.

The first explosions were reported around 10:40 p.m., initially believed to be the result of air defense systems engaging incoming threats.

Despite these defenses, multiple detonations were recorded near the drone factory. Video footage from the scene shows what appears to be an anti-aircraft missile launched from within the industrial zone.

In response to the attack, authorities briefly shut down the airport in nearby Nizhnekamsk.

Tatarstan officials have not yet released any formal statement regarding the extent of the damage. The Shahed drone production site, which was built in 2023 with Iranian cooperation, has already been targeted multiple times by Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

Smoke rises from the chemical plant in Kineshma, Ivanovo region, on May 26, 2025. (Photo: open source)
Smoke rises from the chemical plant in Kineshma, Ivanovo region, on May 26, 2025. (Photo: open source)
Smoke rises from the chemical plant in Kineshma, Ivanovo region, on May 26, 2025. (Photo: open source)
Smoke rises from the chemical plant in Kineshma, Ivanovo region, on May 26, 2025. (Photo: open source)

The factory lies approximately 1,200 kilometers from Ukraine’s state border—far beyond the reach of many conventional attack systems.

Earlier, a long-range drone strike hit the Migalovo airbase near the Russian city of Tver, over 500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

The airbase serves as a key hub for Russia’s military transport aviation. It is home to the 196th and 8th Military Transport Aviation Regiments of the Russian Aerospace Forces and hosts large transport aircraft such as the Il-76MD and An-124.

See all