Vladimir Putin was dealt yet another major blow after armed individuals raided a crucial metal plant in central Russia.
Local reports said the Ryaztsvetmetenergo plant was attacked for the second time in a matter of weeks, with witnesses reporting they could hear explosions and see huge clouds of smoke coming out of the plant.
Managers and employees at the plant in Ryazan, 196km southeast of Moscow, demanded immediate action from regional governor Pavel Malkov to stop the attacks.
They described the break as “a raider takeover,” claiming a tractor had also been used to tear down the fence protecting the plant.
Footage shared on social media appears to show scenes shot from inside the plant, with several people standing in what appears to be an internal courtyard surrounded by thick gray smoke.
Shouting and the distinct sound of an explosion could then be heard, as a man is seen holding on and seemingly dragging another man along before disappearing out of shot.
The plant is Russia's main manufacturer of lead and lead alloys, and the majority of its production is used in the manufacturing of automotive batteries.
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