Ukraine confirms it is targeting a key Russian missile fuel plant, halting attacks on civilians

The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed on Thursday, December 26, that it targeted a military-industrial complex in Kamensk-Shahtinsky, Rostov Region, which produced rocket fuel for ballistic missiles, according to the Strategic Communications of the General Staff of Ukraine (AFU StratCom) reports through Telegram.

Russian troops used the facility to produce solid rocket fuel for ballistic missiles, “which are used to target Ukrainian civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, residential buildings and power plants.”

“This strike is part of a broader campaign to weaken the ability of the Russian Armed Forces to carry out terrorist attacks against Ukrainian civilians,” StratCom added.

This likely refers to the December 18 attack, when the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that The Kamensky plant in the Rostov region was targeted.

The Kamensky Combine, located in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, produces both civilian and military chemical products. It was recently added to the European Union’s 15th sanctions package for the alleged supply of chemical components used in weapons production. The EU has reported a significant increase in defense plant orders since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials, including Andriy Kovalenko of the National Security and Defense Council, have identified the facility as a key producer of solid fuel components for rocket engines, explosives and ammunition. Kovalenko added that the plant was crucial in the production of materials for multiple launch and intercontinental ballistic missile systems.

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The attack took place on December 18, but was not officially confirmed by Russian authorities until the evening of December 19.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that six ATACMS tactical missiles and four Storm Shadow cruise missiles were used in the strike. It said Russian air defense systems, including the Buk-M3, S-400 and Pantsir, intercepted all ATACMS missiles and three of the Storm Shadow missiles. The ministry accused Ukraine of acting with Western support and promised a response.

Although Ukraine confirmed the strike, it did not say what weapons were used.

Yuri Slyusar, acting governor of the Rostov region, confirmed that Russian air defense systems had intercepted 10 missiles in the area, but initially did not acknowledge any damage to the Kamensky compound. He reported damage to several residential buildings in the region.

On Wednesday, December 25, Kyiv Post sources from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported that SBU long-range drones recently targeted an ammunition depot at the Kadamovsky training ground near Novocherkassk in Russia’s Rostov region.

According to the source, after the drones struck, an ammunition detonation occurred, completely destroying the warehouse.

Russia used it to supply troops in the direction of Kramatorsk. The destruction of the warehouse created significant logistical difficulties for the enemy, impacting his ability to conduct military operations.

“The SBU continues to actively demilitarize the Russian rear, from which weapons are sent to the front line. The drone strikes on the Russian army will continue,” the source from the Ukrainian intelligence service emphasized