New Delhi, 17 August 2026: In the ongoing destructive war between Russia and Ukraine, Russia has now launched a major attack on Ukraine's industrial stronghold. Russia has launched a missile attack on the world famous 'ArcelorMittal Steel Plant' in the city of Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Two employees have died in this attack, while 14 other people have been seriously injured.
According to the company's official statement, the Russian missiles directly hit critical facilities such as the plant's power generation and blast furnaces. Due to this attack, there has been huge damage to the important units of the plant, as a result of which the production process has been partially stopped. According to experts, this plant plays a backbone role in Ukraine's steel production and export, hence this attack is a big blow to Ukraine's economy.
President Zelensky has strongly condemned this attack and made serious allegations against Russia. He said that, in the last one week alone, Russia has released more than 1,550 attack drones, 1,560 guided bombs and 62 missiles in different parts of Ukraine. He alleged that Russia is deliberately targeting civilians and industrial infrastructure.
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Russia claims: We targeted only military bases
On the other hand, the Russian Defense Ministry has defended itself, saying that the plant in Kryvyi Rih and some areas of Kiev are military-industrial complex which Ukraine is using for war. Russia has claimed that it has also destroyed 822 drones launched by Ukraine in the sky. However, it is difficult to independently verify such claims made by both countries in the war.
Experts believe that the Russia-Ukraine war is no longer limited to just the borders and military cantonments. Both countries are now targeting power grids, energy centers and big industrial units to break each other's economy. This attack on the Kryvyi Rih plant is an indicator of the growing scope of the conflict. Currently the damage in the plant is being assessed and security arrangements have been tightened. There is currently uncertainty about when and with what capacity the plant will restart.