Reports of explosions near aircraft repair plant in Russia's Novgorod Oblast

Reports of explosions were received in Russia's Novgorod Oblast during the night of 10 November. According to a report by the Exilenova+ Telegram monitoring channel, these explosions are believed to be the result of a Ukrainian drone attack targeting a Russian military aircraft repair plant.

The targeted site is said to be the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in the town of Staraya Russa. This facility is part of Russia's state defence group, Rostec. The plant specialises in the repair and maintenance of Russia's military transport aircraft, including Il-76, Il-78, and L-410 type aircraft, as well as aircraft engines. Notably, the European Union has imposed sanctions on this facility for aiding Russia's military operations.

According to a report by The Kyiv Independent, it cannot be immediately confirmed the extent of damage caused to the plant or whether the attack has been officially verified. This incident comes at a time when peace talks, mediated by the US, have been organised in Abu Dhabi for 10-11 November.

Staraya Russa, where this aircraft repair plant is located, is situated approximately 1,500 km (930 miles) in a straight line from Sevastopol. Russian-controlled authorities in Sevastopol reported a separate drone attack. According to Mikhail Razvozov, the Russian-appointed governor of Sevastopol, Russian air defences and mobile firing groups shot down eight Ukrainian drones. Razvozov further stated that there were no casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure in this attack.

Ukraine's state energy company, Energo, stated that the impact of Russia's recent attacks appears significant, though the exact extent of damage is not yet clear and will require further investigation. Meanwhile, according to an IAEA report, an employee of the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant has died in a drone attack.

In another operation, a drone base in the occupied town of Berdyansk in Zaporizhzhia Oblast was targeted. This base was located 107 km (66 miles) behind the military border.

The 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant is a vital centre in Russia's defence sector, performing maintenance work on military transport aircraft and engines. It operates under the Rostec organisation and is under sanctions imposed by the European Union.