Massive Explosion in Russia Following Ukrainian Drone Strike
A major explosion and subsequent fires were triggered in Russia's Tver region following a drone attack from Ukraine. The drone strike is believed to have hit a significant Russian weapons stockpile. According to the Tver regional administration, a fire broke out in Toropets due to falling debris from a drone that was intercepted by air defense forces. A "partial evacuation" was declared in response to the large blast and ensuing fires. Social media footage showed a massive fireball erupting against the night sky.
Speculation of Largest Explosion of the War
The size of the blast in Tver suggests that this could be the largest explosion of the war on Russian territory. The video, which appears to have been taken from a distance of 2km or more, has led to widespread speculation that the site was a missile and ammunition storage facility.
A NASA satellite image revealed a concentrated set of fires east of Toropets, covering an area of 13 square kilometers (5.2 square miles). The location aligns with the Russian Defense Ministry’s main missile and artillery directorate arsenal, situated 488 kilometers northeast of Ukraine’s border. If this is the case, it's likely that Moscow will perceive this major attack deep into Russia as having NATO involvement.
Reuters described the event as an "earthquake-sized blast" that resulted in a mushroom cloud rising high after the explosion. President Putin recently stated that it's clear NATO countries assist with targeting and that their satellites and coordinating systems must be involved in such attacks.
Ukraine Claims Responsibility for the Attack
The Ukrainian government admitted to the attack, stating that Ukraine's Security Service and Intelligence and Special Operations Forces launched the strike. Russian state media has been relatively silent about the details or confirmation, and the Russian defense ministry has been slow to comment. This is likely due to the sensitive nature of the facility and the significant impact on Russia's military.
A report from EuroNews/AP quoted a Ukrainian source stating that "the depot housed Iskander and Tochka-U missiles, as well as glide bombs and artillery shells." The large overnight cross-border drone attack was part of a broader wave that possibly included hundreds of UAVs. Russia's defense ministry reported that its air defense forces shot down 54 of them during the night morning hours attack.
Secondary Blasts and Fires
The drone strike on the arsenal led to secondary blasts, resulting in fires that spread across a vast area. According to a review summary of the Tver site that exploded, Russia was building an arsenal for the storage of missiles, ammunition, and explosives in Toropets, as reported by a RIA state news agency in 2018.
The arsenal, which was constructed in 2015 at a cost of 3.6 billion roubles ($39m), is equipped with cold and heated rooms, electrical substations, treatment facilities, water and fuel storage tanks, and more than 100 fire ponds. It was put into operation in 2018, and is equipped with concrete facilities for storing missiles, ammunition, and explosives under the proper conditions. The arsenal can accommodate up to 200 servicemen.
Meanwhile, discussions have been ongoing between the US and UK about authorizing the use of long-range missiles against Russia. The US administration has been cautious in response to Putin's red lines.
Bottom Line
This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with the drone strike causing what could be the largest explosion of the war on Russian soil. The impact on Russia's military capabilities could be substantial, given the suspected target was a major weapons stockpile. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, with discussions ongoing regarding the potential use of long-range missiles against Russia. What are your thoughts on this development? Share this article with your friends and let us know your views. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
