### Ukraine Hits Russian Chemical Plant in Drone Assault, Says Ukrainian Security Service

Ukraine targeted a Russian chemical plant with a drone strike in the western city of Tula overnight from Friday into Saturday, according to Ukraine's security agency. The Russian government has not confirmed the incident.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported that the Aleksinsky chemical plant sustained strikes from at least 13 drones, causing explosions and releasing clouds of smoke. In the aftermath, the plant’s employees were evacuated. The agency noted that the main target, a gunpowder production facility, emitted orange smoke from the release of acids. Additionally, the Aleksinskaya thermal power plant experienced damage, with a 110 kV power transmission line being affected, a source confirmed.

Verified footage on social media showed the attack on the Aleksinsky chemical plant, which is located approximately 120 miles (200 km) south of Moscow. The plant is known for producing gunpowder and ammunition for the Russian military, according to the SBU. The drone strike triggered air raid alarms in various Russian regions around 9:30 p.m. local time.

An SBU source stated that the attack is part of a broader operation targeting facilities on Russian soil that contribute to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "The destruction of weapons depots, military airfields, and enterprises that are part of the Russian military industry reduces Russia's ability to terrorize our country," the source explained.

In response to the incident, the governor of Tula region, Dmitriy Miliayev, claimed that a Ukrainian drone attack had been thwarted by Russian air defense units, although he did not reference the chemical plant specifically. He mentioned in a statement on Saturday that debris from the intercepted drones damaged the windows of a private house, but there were no casualties, and the situation remained under control.

The Russian Ministry of Defense also stated that an attempt by the Kyiv regime to conduct a terrorist attack using airplane-type UAVs against targets within Russian territory was foiled during the night.