A Ukrainian drone strike has reportedly obliterated a key Russian ammunition depot in Toropets, located in Russia’s Tver region, early Wednesday morning. The facility, crucial for Russia’s missile operations, housed Iskander and Tochka-U tactical missile systems, guided aerial bombs, and artillery ammunition.
The attack resulted in a massive explosion, setting off widespread fires and causing extensive damage to both the depot and nearby areas. Satellite images from Maxar Technologies captured thick smoke and fires spreading through the depot complex and adjacent forests.
The explosion was so powerful it caused seismic activity, with sensors in northwest Russia detecting tremors between magnitude 2.5 and 2.8, correlating with the timing and location of the strike, according to Ben Dando, a seismologist from NORSAR.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) confirmed that the attack was part of a systematic effort to undermine Russia’s military infrastructure. “This is part of a methodical plan to reduce Russia’s missile potential,” said a Ukrainian security source, noting that similar future strikes are planned.
In response to the attack, Russian authorities have evacuated nearby residents, including 11 children, to settlements in the Pskov region. Tver Governor Igor Rudenya confirmed that emergency services are working to contain the fires and maintain order, with no reported civilian casualties so far.
Despite initial downplaying by Russian state media, which attributed the fire to debris from downed drones, social media videos and military bloggers have revealed significant damage and criticism of Russian military security practices.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the strike in a speech, calling it a significant result that weakens the enemy. He did not explicitly mention the attack but emphasized the strategic importance of such precision strikes.
The depot’s destruction, located approximately 300 miles from the Ukrainian border and 250 miles west of Moscow, represents one of the deepest Ukrainian incursions into Russian territory. This strike underscores Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to target Russian military assets deep within Russia and highlights the broader escalation in the conflict.
The incident also brings into focus Ukraine’s push for advanced military aid from its Western allies and the potential for further drone strikes on Russian military targets. The long-term impact on Russia’s military readiness and logistical capabilities remains to be seen as the conflict continues.
