Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a major drone attack on a Russian ammunition depot in the western Tver region. The attack, which occurred overnight, resulted in a massive explosion and extensive fires at the warehouse located in the city of Toropets. According to sources from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), the targeted facility was operated by the Russian defense ministry and was storing various munitions, including Iskander and Tochka-U tactical missile systems, guided aerial bombs, and artillery ammunition.
The explosion ignited large fires, causing significant damage to the depot and surrounding areas. Local air defenses managed to intercept some of the drones, but debris from the intercepted drones contributed to the fires. Governor Igor Rudenya ordered a partial evacuation of the area in the early hours of Wednesday to allow emergency services to address the situation. Videos verified by CNN show loud detonations and multiple buildings within the depot complex on fire.
Seismic activity linked to the explosion was detected by earthquake monitors. Ben Dando, a seismologist at the Norwegian seismology research foundation NORSAR, reported that sensors recorded signals with a magnitude of 2.5 to 2.8 in northwest Russia, attributed to the drone attack. NORSAR is analyzing the data to assess the full extent of the blast’s seismic impact.
Russian state news agency TASS confirmed the drone attack and reported that a fire resulted from falling debris, though it did not specifically mention the targeting of a weapons facility. Affected residents, including 11 children, were evacuated to nearby settlements in the Pskov region. No civilian injuries have been reported. Governor Rudenya emphasized the importance of the evacuation to allow emergency services to manage the fires and maintain public order.
The Ukrainian security source indicated that such attacks are part of a strategic effort to reduce Russia’s missile capabilities. Further attacks on similar Russian military facilities are reportedly planned. Toropets, located approximately 300 miles from the Ukrainian border and about 250 miles west of Moscow, is a significant target within Russia’s interior.
This attack comes amid ongoing international tension. Ukraine has been pushing its allies, particularly the United States, to support missile strikes on targets deeper within Russian territory. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned NATO members that easing restrictions on Ukraine’s long-range missile systems would equate to a direct involvement in the conflict.
The drone attack underscores the intensifying conflict between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting the high-stakes military operations currently underway.
