KYIV: Ukrainian drones targeted an arms depot in the western Tver region of Russia early Wednesday morning, resulting in a massive explosion that illuminated the night sky and prompted the evacuation of nearby residents, AFP reported citing a Ukrainian security source.
According to a Ukrainian security source, the drone strike hit a key facility belonging to the Russian Ministry of Defence.
Videos circulating on Russian social media captured the moment of the explosion, showing a fireball rising into the air and a shockwave reverberating through the area. Additional footage showed thick columns of smoke and flames engulfing the site near a body of water.
The Tver region’s governor, Igor Rudenya, said that the incident led to a “partial evacuation of residents” in the vicinity of Toropets, where the depot is located. Over 150 firefighters and emergency personnel were deployed to combat the blaze, which reportedly spread over a six-kilometer radius. While a few persons suffered minor injuries, no fatalities were reported.
Ukrainian security services claimed responsibility for the strike, stating that the drone attack successfully targeted a large warehouse containing munitions critical to the Russian military’s operational capabilities.
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The facility was reportedly storing missiles for Iskander and Tochka-U tactical missile systems, guided aerial bombs, and various artillery ammunition. The aftermath of the drone strikes triggered “an extremely powerful detonation,” according to the Ukrainian source.
Toropets is situated nearly 400 kilometers (250 miles) northwest of Moscow, highlighting the reach of Ukraine’s drone capabilities. This operation marks one of the more notable Ukrainian strikes deep within Russian territory since the war began in 2022.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported the interception of 54 Ukrainian drones launched overnight, particularly noting heightened activity in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have recently intensified cross-border operations.
While Ukraine typically refrains from explicitly claiming direct responsibility for attacks inside Russia, officials have consistently framed such operations as justifiable retaliation against Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory.
