Long-range drones from Ukraine.Image: Presidential Press Service Hando / EPA PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE
April 15, 2026, 1:36 p.mApril 15, 2026, 1:36 p.m
The Ukrainian army attacked a chemical factory in the Russian city of Sterlitamak with combat drones over a distance of 1,300 kilometers.
The head of the republic of Bashkortostan, Radi Khabirov, confirmed the attack, the state news agency Tass reported. He stuck to the usual narrative that debris from downed drones had fallen onto an industrial facility. The resulting fire will be extinguished. Direct hits are rarely mentioned in official Russian communications.
Videos from social networks suggested that the attack targeted the petrochemical plant in Sterlitamak. Among other things, it produces aviation fuel. No information about damage was provided. Bashkortostan is located east of Moscow in the south of the Ural Mountains. The region is around 1,300 kilometers away from Ukraine.
In order to defend itself against Russia’s war of aggression, Ukraine has been relying for months on eliminating the oil and chemical industries deep in the enemy’s rear using long-range drones. This is intended to slow down fuel supplies for the Russian army and arms production. (sda/dpa)