A partial evacuation has been ordered in Russia’s Tver region following a “massive” Ukrainian drone strike that ignited a fire, according to the local governor.
Igor Rudenya stated that emergency services in the town of Toropets were working to contain the blaze, which was caused by falling drone debris. He did not disclose if there were any casualties.
Unverified footage has surfaced, allegedly showing a large explosion in the town, with unconfirmed reports suggesting a weapons depot may have been hit overnight.
Toropets, located approximately 380km (236 miles) northwest of Moscow and 470km north of the Ukrainian border, has prepared buses for the evacuation, according to local authorities.
Officials said the situation in the town, home to about 13,000 people, was “under control” but did not specify how many residents were being evacuated.
Meanwhile, Russian state media reported that regional schools and kindergartens would remain closed on Wednesday.
Overnight attacks were also reported in Russia’s western Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol, and Smolensk regions.
Local officials said nearly 50 drones and two missiles were shot down.
Ukraine has not responded to reports of the attacks.
Overnight, Ukrainian air defences were activated to counter incoming Russian drones near the capital, Kyiv, according to Serhiy Popko, head of the city’s military administration.
Additionally, explosions were reported in the northeastern city of Sumy, close to the Russian border.
Details regarding potential casualties remain unclear.
The statements from both Russian and Ukrainian officials have not been independently confirmed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.