Drones attack chemical plant in Russia's Veliky Novgorod, fire breaks out

The Acron mineral fertilizer plant was reportedly struck with drones, causing a fire to break out near the facility.

Photos and videos published online overnight show the blaze in Veliky Novgorod.

The Ukrainian Telegram channel Exilenova+ reported more than five explosions in the city.

Around 4 a.m., Novgorod Oblast Gov. Alexander Dronov confirmed the drone attack and said air defense systems were active.

He claimed in the morning that 19 UAVs were downed over Novgorod Oblast.

The Acron plant produces nitrogen and complex fertilizers, as well as industrial products. Its lineup includes ammonium nitrate, components of which can be used in both civilian and military sectors.

Overnight into Dec. 11, Russia reported one of the largest drone attacks in recent times. Explosions and air defense activity were recorded in Moscow city and Moscow Oblast for several hours.

Parallel to the Moscow attack, drones struck the Dorogobuzh thermal power plant in Smolensk Oblast.

Moscow-area airports halted arrivals and departures for seven hours due to the drone attack. More than 130 flights were canceled, delayed or diverted to other airports.

The closure prevented Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's plane from landing. It was eventually diverted to Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, where it landed around 1 a.m.