In a dramatic turn of events, local authorities in Toropets, Russia, have evacuated residents after a mass drone attack sparked a fire. The Tver Oblast Governor, Igor Rudenya, reported the incident, with images and videos circulating on Russian Telegram channels. The precise location of the explosions is yet to be confirmed.
Toropets, a small town with a population of 11,000, sits near the Ukrainian border and west of Moscow. Rudenya attributed the fire to drone wreckage falling during an air defense encounter. As the situation unfolded, the decision was made to partially evacuate the area.
Meanwhile, reports from Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the downing of 54 Ukrainian drones, but no specifics were given for Tver Oblast. Ukraine’s use of domestically-produced drones to strike targets in Russia has been noted in previous incidents.
This latest drone attack follows a pattern of escalating tensions, with previous strikes targeting critical infrastructure. The situation remains fluid as authorities work to contain the fallout from this unsettling event.