The Trump administration has lifted a key restriction on Ukraine's use of long-range Western missiles, allowing Kyiv to strike targets inside Russia and intensify pressure on the Kremlin, U.S. officials stated Wednesday. In parallel, a powerful explosion occurred at the AO "Plastmass Plant" in Kopeysk, Chelyabinsk region, Russia, on Wednesday, following reported drone strikes. The plant is known to produce artillery shells, mines, rockets, and other arms for the Russian military. Governor Alexey Teksler confirmed an explosion at one of the enterprises in Kopeysk, stating there were casualties and that emergency services were on scene. These developments occurred within a one-hour reporting window from Oct. 22nd, 7:03 PM to 8:03 PM UTC. The Plastmass Plant in Kopeysk is described as closely resembling the chemical plant in Seltso (Bryansk region), which was hit previously, and both are considered elements of the Russian military-industrial complex. Explosions were also heard near the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant, which produces engines for tanks. Reports indicated the city of Kopeysk was under drone attack. In other news, Russian President Vladimir Putin directed drills of the country’s strategic nuclear forces that featured practice missile launches on Wednesday. This exercise took place as his planned summit on Ukraine with U.S. President Donald Trump was put on hold. Additionally, reports emerged of Ukrainian fighters advancing in border areas northwest of Kharkiv Oblast, and Russia launched "Shahed-136/131" type UAVs from Orel and Navlia airfields. Separately, Ukrainian soldiers were documented in Kucheriv Yar, Pokrovsky direction, with the area appearing to have been recaptured. The authority for supporting Ukraine's use of missiles in Russia was recently transferred from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon to Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the top U.S. general in Europe and NATO commander. European Union ambassadors discussed a potential 19th package of sanctions against Russia on Wednesday, though a green light had not yet been given. A statement indicated a substantial pickup in Russia sanctions would be announced either after the close on Wednesday or first thing Thursday morning.
