Ukrainian Drone Strike Sets Key Russian Aviation Plant in Smolensk on Fire

Ukrainian drones targeted the Smolensk Aviation Plant in Russia, an attack that caused fires and disruptions, the Head of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation, Andrii Kovalenko, confirmed on January 21.

“The Smolensk Aviation Plant was hit,” Kovalenko stated. “This facility is involved in the production and modernization of military aircraft, including Su-25 ground-attack jets. It also provides overhaul and maintenance services for older models, enabling Russia to maintain the combat readiness of its aging fleet.”

He added that the plant plays a key role in supplying components and collaborating with other defense industry enterprises to develop advanced aviation systems.

“Every strike on such facilities weakens Russia’s ability to sustain its air force,” Kovalenko concluded.

Russian Telegram channels reported fires at the site following the drone attack. Eyewitness videos shared on social media captured the sound of drones overhead, explosions, and fires in Smolensk’s Zadniprovsky district.

Smolensk Governor Vasily Anokhin confirmed the attack, stating that Russian air defenses intercepted several drones. However, debris from the intercepted drones caused multiple fires in the area.

Smolensk, located nearly 300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, experienced power outages and water supply disruptions after the explosions.

Earlier, the Kazan Aviation Plant, located in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, was targeted in a drone attack.