Ukraine fires 660 drones at Russia overnight, hitting Tula chemical plant and Crimea energy grid
Russia's defence ministry reported 660 Ukrainian drones intercepted across 13-plus regions, the largest single overnight barrage of the war; the Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk was struck; Crimea faces renewed fuel shortages
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Summary
Ukraine launched a 660-drone overnight barrage against Russia on June 25-26, the largest single-night drone operation of the war, surpassing the previous record of 556 drones on May 17. Russia's defence ministry reported drones intercepted across more than 13 regions including Moscow, Crimea, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian sources confirmed strikes on the Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk, Tula region, a Gazprom-affiliated facility producing chemicals used in solid rocket propellant, and on Crimea's energy infrastructure. Moscow Mayor Sobyanin reported 47 drones heading toward the capital were intercepted. Russia denied seeking Belarusian military participation in the war.
Why it matters
The 660-drone figure marks a step-change in Ukraine's long-range strike capacity. Targeting the Tula Azot plant, roughly 450 km from the front line, degrades Russian industrial capacity for solid rocket fuel. The simultaneous Crimea grid strikes continue the strategy of making the annexed peninsula economically costly to supply. Russia's denial of seeking Belarusian involvement, issued directly after the barrage, signals political sensitivity around the prospect of widening the war.
What to watch
- Damage assessment at the Tula Azot plant, which processes ethane and produces helium used in rocket guidance systems.
- Whether Russia retaliates with a further mass missile attack on Ukrainian cities or critical infrastructure.
- Crimea fuel and electricity situation: whether cumulative grid strikes create a supply crisis visible to Russian civilians on the peninsula.