In the Tula region, reports are emerging about a possible incident at the Russian chemical plant “Azot” in Novomoskovsk—social media and sources confirm that the facility was hit by an unmanned aerial vehicle, leading to a large fire
This news has quickly spread across Russian online communities and Telegram channels, sparking discussions and speculation about the scale and consequences of the incident. According to messages appearing on social networks and independent sources, at least five explosions reportedly occurred in the city. Local residents claim to have heard between five and eight loud blasts, which caused public concern. Meanwhile, information regarding the nature and location of the event is still being clarified, but preliminary data suggests that one of the drones, likely an unmanned aerial vehicle, intentionally struck the chemical plant's industrial complex. Confirmed by Telegram channels citing residents of Novomoskovsk, a city in the Tula region, the incident took place during the night of May 24, and search and clarification efforts are ongoing to determine the scale and causes of the accident. It is known that the fire at the plant has already been extinguished or is under control, although images of the aftermath and potential environmental impacts are still being analyzed. According to official information available on the company's website, the Novomoskovsk-based joint-stock company "Azot" is one of Russia's largest producers of ammonia and nitrogen fertilizers. It plays a significant role in the country's chemical industry, manufacturing a wide range of products—from mineral fertilizers and ammonia to organic plastics, resins, chlorine, caustic soda, calcium chloride, concentrated and high-purity nitric acid, as well as argon gas and methanol. Earlier, during the night of May 24, the plant was already targeted by drone attacks, which caused considerable media resonance and concern among environmental activists. However, at that time, information about the scale and consequences was limited, and this new incident could indicate escalating tensions around the security of critical infrastructure in the region. Overall, the situation raises concerns about the possible release of hazardous substances, environmental risks, and threats to local populations, as well as the deliberate nature of these attacks—bringing into question the safety of chemical industry facilities in Russia. Details of the incident and official statements are still awaited from relevant authorities and the company's management, but it is already clear that security issues in the region will remain a pressing concern in the near future.