Fact Check: Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation head Andrii Kovalenko stated that ammonium nitrate from the Nevinnomyssk Azot plant is a key component for explosives and artillery shells.

Fact Check: "Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation head Andrii Kovalenko stated that ammonium nitrate from the Nevinnomyssk Azot plant is a key component for explosives and artillery shells."

What We Know

Andrii Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, has indeed made statements regarding the Nevinnomyssk Azot plant in Russia. He noted that this facility produces significant quantities of ammonium nitrate, which is a critical component for manufacturing explosives and artillery shells. Reports indicate that the Nevinnomyssk Azot plant produces up to one million tons of ammonia and over one million tons of ammonium nitrate annually, both of which are essential for the military-industrial complex in Russia (Ukrinform, Kyiv Independent, RBC Ukraine). Kovalenko also mentioned that the plant synthesizes various dual-use chemicals, including melamine, methanol, and potassium nitrate, which are utilized in the production of military ordnance such as grenade launcher rounds and improvised explosive devices (Ukrinform, Kyiv Independent).

Analysis

The claim made by Kovalenko is supported by multiple credible sources, including reports from Ukrainian news outlets and official statements from Ukraine's General Staff. These sources corroborate that the Nevinnomyssk Azot plant is not only a significant producer of ammonium nitrate but also plays a vital role in Russia's military capabilities. The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their consistent reporting on military and industrial developments during the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Kovalenko's statements are further validated by the context of recent drone strikes targeting this facility, which were aimed at disrupting Russia's ability to produce explosives and ammunition (Kyiv Independent, Ukrinform). The information provided by Kovalenko aligns with the broader understanding of the strategic importance of ammonium nitrate in military applications, making his claim credible.

However, it is essential to consider the potential bias in the sources, as they originate from Ukrainian perspectives amid an ongoing conflict. Despite this, the factual basis regarding the production capabilities of the Nevinnomyssk Azot plant and the role of ammonium nitrate in military applications is well-documented and widely accepted in defense analyses.

Conclusion

The claim that "ammonium nitrate from the Nevinnomyssk Azot plant is a key component for explosives and artillery shells" is True. The evidence presented by Kovalenko is consistent with multiple reliable reports and aligns with established knowledge about the plant's production capabilities and its significance to military operations.

Sources

1. Drone strike hits key Russian explosives plant in Stavropol
2. Ukraine confirms drone strikes on Russian chemical plants ...
3. Nevinnomyssk Azot factory in Russia's Stavropol region ...
4. Precision Drone Attacks Disrupt Russia's Ammonia and ...
5. Drones reportedly hit major Russian chemical and fuel ...
6. Nevinnomyssk Azot plant in Stavropol Krai attacked by drones
7. Strategic catalyst plant hit in Russia's Samara region
8. Strategic facilities producing explosives for Russian army ...