Ukraine: Drone strike causes massive explosion at Russian ammunition depot

Ukrainian drones targeted and destroyed a significant ammunition depot in the western Russian region of Tver, leading to a massive explosion and extensive damage.

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) reported to CNN on Wednesday that the attack, which struck the defense ministry-operated warehouse in Toropets, targeted a cache of Iskander and Tochka-U tactical missiles, guided aerial bombs, and artillery ammunition.

The explosion ignited large fires, prompting the regional governor Igor Rudenya to initiate a partial evacuation of the area early Wednesday morning. These fires, fueled by debris from the repelled drones, led to substantial damage in the vicinity. Seismologist Ben Dando from the Norwegian research foundation NORSAR indicated that the seismic sensors recorded signals of magnitude 2.5 to 2.8, potentially linked to the drone strike.

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Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies revealed large plumes of smoke and significant destruction to both the depot structures and surrounding forest. Russian state news agency TASS confirmed the attack but did not specify the weapons facility as the target, merely noting that debris from the drones caused a fire.

Videos verified by CNN captured the intensity of the detonations and fires. Evacuations are ongoing, with affected residents, including 11 children, being relocated to Kunya and Velikiye Luki in the neighboring Pskov region. No civilian injuries have been reported.

Governor Rudenya emphasized the coordinated response, stating, “Now we are engaged in evacuating the population, residents, maintaining public order,” and detailing the extensive involvement of emergency services in managing the aftermath.

The Ukrainian source indicated that such attacks are part of a strategic effort to diminish Russia’s missile capabilities, with plans for similar future strikes on Russian military installations. Toropets, located approximately 300 miles from the Ukrainian border and 250 miles west of Moscow, remains a critical site in the ongoing conflict.

As Ukraine continues to press for international support for deeper strikes into Russian territory, Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned NATO members that extending Ukraine’s missile capabilities would risk direct conflict with Russia.