On the morning of 23 October 2026, reports emerged of a new attack by Ukrainian drones on the «Azot» chemical complex, owned by «Uralchem», in the town of Berezniki in the Perm Krai region of Russia. Footage of strike drones flying towards the industrial zone is circulating on social media. According to preliminary reports, Ukrainian «Lyuty» long-range drones may have been used in the attack. The plant is located approximately 1,500 kilometres from the Ukrainian border and produces chemical raw materials used, amongst other things, in the manufacture of explosives.
- On 23 October, drones attacked the «Azot» chemical plant in Berezniki, Russia.
- According to preliminary reports, Ukrainian «Lyuty» attack drones may have been used.
- The company is part of the Russian chemical holding company «Uralchem».
- The plant produces ammonia, nitric acid, saltpetre and other industrial chemical products.
Drones have been spotted again over Berezniki
Reports of Ukrainian long-range drones heading towards the «Azot» chemical complex emerged on the morning of 23 October. Footage of this has been shared by social media users.
One of the published images shows a plume of smoke rising above an industrial estate.
At present, there is no independently verified information regarding the number of drones involved in the attack, or the specific industrial facilities that may have been targeted.
Why is the Azot plant important for Russian industry?
The «Azot» branch of JSC «Uralchem« is one of Russia’s leading producers of nitrogen fertilisers and industrial chemical products.
The site covers an area of approximately 140 hectares. It comprises around 90 production and ancillary buildings.
The plant produces ammonia, urea, ammonium nitrate, nitrite and nitrate salts, and other chemicals. Nitric acid, which is used in various industrial sectors, plays a special role in the production processes.
Some of these products are dual-use. In particular, concentrated nitric acid can be used to manufacture explosives.
It is for this very reason that the company is linked to supply chains that are vital to the Russian military-industrial complex.
The company had already been attacked in September 2026
This is not the first report of a drone attack on the chemical complex in Berezniki.
On 11 September, Ukrainian attack drones had already struck the «Nitrogen». At the time, local residents reported hearing explosions, and smoke was rising from industrial sites.
The Russian independent publication ASTRA, citing company staff, reported that production had been halted following the explosions.
OSINT analysts subsequently identified the probable location of one of the strikes within the complex. According to their assessment, the damage may have affected equipment essential to production processes.
Governor of the Perm Krai Dmytro Makhonin He confirmed an attack on two industrial sites in the region, but did not name the facilities.
Even earlier, in October 2025, the plant had also come under attack from drones.
