Drones attack Stavrolen chemical plant in Russia for the third time in two months
On the night of 23 December, drones attacked the Stavrolen chemical plant in Budennovsk, Stavropol Territory, Russia. This is the third attack on the plant in the last two months. The explosions and fire were reported by local residents, and later confirmed by the head of the region, who noted the fire in the city's industrial zone.
According to OSINT analysis of ASTRA channel's broadcasts, the strike fell directly on the territory of Stavrolen LLC, which is located approximately 200 kilometres from Stavropol. Video footage from the scene was taken approximately three kilometres from the centre of the fire that started after the explosions.
«Stavrolen» is one of the key enterprises of the chemical and petrochemical industry in Russia and is part of the Lukoil group. The plant specialises in the production of polyethylene and polypropylene and is one of the largest in the country.
According to open data, the company produces about 340 thousand tonnes of ethylene, more than 319 thousand tonnes of polyethylene and about 113 thousand tonnes of polypropylene annually. In 2021, the plant reported producing its eight millionth tonne of polyethylene since its launch. The products are used in the manufacture of pipes, films, cable insulation and paints and varnishes.
The causes and extent of the damage are being clarified. Russian authorities traditionally do not disclose details of the consequences of attacks on strategic industrial facilities.
