Ukraine launched a missile strike against the Russian city of Taganrog, a significant military and industrial hub located in the Rostov region, potentially targeting facilities crucial to Russia’s war effort and even its nuclear capabilities. The attack resulted in a series of explosions and triggered a large fire, raising questions about the extent of the damage and the specific target. Initial reports suggested two possible targets: the Beriev Aircraft Company, responsible for maintaining sensitive military aircraft, including Putin’s “Flying Kremlin” doomsday plane, and the Krasny Hydropress plant, a key manufacturer of missile components.
The Beriev Aircraft Company holds strategic importance for Russia’s military operations. It services and upgrades various aircraft used by the Russian air force and navy, including specialized aircraft like the Il-80 Maxdome, a command and control aircraft designed to operate during a nuclear conflict. This aircraft, also known as the “Flying Kremlin,” serves as a mobile command center for the Russian leadership in the event of a nuclear war. The Beriev plant also works on the A-50 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) planes, which provide crucial surveillance and intelligence capabilities. Targeting this facility could significantly disrupt Russia’s ability to maintain and upgrade its key military aircraft.
The other potential target, the Krasny Hydropress plant, is a vital component of Russia’s missile production infrastructure. As part of the Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation, it plays a crucial role in manufacturing elements essential for various missile systems. An attack on this plant could disrupt Russia’s missile production capabilities and impact its ability to replenish its dwindling missile stocks. The attack on Taganrog marked a bold move by Ukraine, striking deep into Russian territory and potentially targeting assets vital for both conventional and nuclear warfare.
The attack on Taganrog caused significant disruption and damage. Reports indicated at least ten explosions, with fourteen cars parked at the Beriev facility catching fire. The blasts led to the disruption of hot water and heating supplies for 27 residential blocks. While initial reports suggested no casualties, the extent of the damage to the targeted facilities remained unclear. Local authorities cordoned off the area and initiated a comprehensive survey to assess the full impact of the strike.
The type of missile used in the attack remained a subject of speculation. Some sources suggested Ukraine employed its domestically produced Palyanitsa drone missiles, while others pointed to the possibility of US-supplied ATACMS missiles being used. The use of ATACMS missiles, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation in the type of weaponry provided to Ukraine by its Western allies. These missiles have a longer range and greater precision than previously supplied systems, allowing Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory.
In a separate incident, a major oil production facility in the Bryansk border region also came under attack, further demonstrating Ukraine’s increasing capability to strike targets within Russia. The Druzhba oil pipeline loading point near Bryansk caught fire following an explosion, potentially disrupting the flow of oil from Russia to Europe. This pipeline, despite being partially operational under Western sanctions, remains a crucial conduit for Russian oil exports. While the specific cause of the fire was unclear, reports suggested it may have resulted from an attack on a nearby production facility. The use of ten aircraft-type strike drones was reported in connection with attacks in the Bryansk region. These attacks, alongside the Taganrog strike, underscore Ukraine’s evolving offensive capabilities and its willingness to target strategic infrastructure within Russia.
