A Ukrainian drone attack launched overnight succeeded in destroying an ammunition depot in the western Russian region of Tver, a source from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) told CNN on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian drones targeted the Russian defense ministry-operated warehouse in Toropets, which was storing Iskander tactical missile systems, Tochka-U tactical missile systems, guided aerial bombs and artillery ammunition, the source said.
Large fires broke out from the debris of drones repelled by local air defenses, the regional government said, prompting the governor, Igor Rudenya, to order a partial evacuation of the area during the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Videos circulating on social media, verified by CNN, showed loud detonations and multiple buildings in the depot complex on fire.
Rudenya made the call to evacuate so emergency services at the scene could work fully to bring the blazes under control, the local government said in a post on its official Telegram channel.
The Ukrainian security source told CNN that attacks of this nature are being used “methodically” to reduce Russia’s missile potential, adding that plans for further attacks on “similar” Russian military facilities are “proceeding.”
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a Ukrainian drone attack successfully destroyed a key Russian ammunition depot in the western region of Tver, according to sources within Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). The strike, which took place overnight, targeted a warehouse operated by Russia’s Ministry of Defense in the town of Toropets, a site known to store advanced military equipment.
The warehouse reportedly housed Iskander tactical missile systems, Tochka-U tactical missile systems, guided aerial bombs, and artillery ammunition, making it a crucial military asset for Russia’s operations. The destruction of this facility is viewed as a serious setback to Russia’s missile capabilities. Ukraine’s SBU confirmed that this attack is part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening Russia’s missile stockpiles.
The source told CNN that Ukraine has been employing similar drone strikes methodically, focusing on reducing Russia’s military potential. This operation marks one of many planned assaults on Russian military infrastructure, as Ukraine continues its campaign to degrade its opponent’s ability to wage war.
The drone strike led to large fires that engulfed multiple buildings within the depot complex. Local air defenses attempted to repel the drones, but the scale of destruction was significant. Social media footage, which has been verified by CNN, shows explosions echoing across the area and thick plumes of smoke rising from the site.
As the fires raged, Igor Rudenya, the governor of the Tver region, ordered a partial evacuation of the area to ensure the safety of civilians and to allow emergency services to work without hindrance. Local government communications confirmed that emergency crews are making efforts to bring the blazes under control, but the situation remains volatile. The regional administration issued updates on its Telegram channel, informing the public about ongoing firefighting operations and the evacuation process.
This attack fits within a broader pattern of Ukrainian strikes on key Russian military sites. According to the Ukrainian security source, these drone operations are part of a deliberate campaign to erode Russia’s missile potential. By targeting missile systems and associated ammunition, Ukraine aims to chip away at one of the more potent elements of Russia’s military arsenal.
Ukraine’s efforts to degrade Russian missile infrastructure could have long-term implications for the war, as Russia heavily relies on its missile systems for both offensive and defensive operations. The destruction of critical supplies like Iskander and Tochka-U missiles limits Russia’s options for launching strikes on Ukrainian positions. These missile systems are known for their precision and are key tools in Russia’s military strategy, making their loss a significant blow.
Moreover, Ukraine’s ability to reach deep into Russian territory with drone strikes demonstrates a growing capability to challenge Russian defenses far from the frontlines. This will likely force Russia to reconsider its approach to military logistics and storage, as even facilities far from the immediate conflict zone are vulnerable to Ukrainian attacks.
The use of drones in this conflict has underscored their evolving role in modern warfare. For Ukraine, drones have become a key tool in conducting asymmetrical warfare against a more conventionally powerful adversary. While Russia holds superior firepower and military resources, Ukraine’s ability to disrupt Russia’s logistics and infrastructure through drone strikes is leveling the playing field in some respects.
Drones offer several advantages for Ukraine in this conflict. They can be deployed rapidly, are relatively inexpensive compared to traditional air or missile strikes, and are difficult for conventional air defenses to detect and neutralize. The success of drone strikes like the one in Tver highlights the growing sophistication of Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities.
Additionally, drone strikes on ammunition depots and military installations create logistical headaches for Russia, forcing it to expend resources on defending its rear lines, rather than focusing purely on front-line engagements. This diversion of Russian resources is a key part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to weaken its opponent both materially and psychologically.
The destruction of an ammunition depot in Tver, far from the front lines, raises questions about the security of Russian military facilities across the country. While Russia has invested in sophisticated air defense systems, the success of Ukrainian drone strikes shows that no location is entirely safe from attack.
These strikes also demonstrate Ukraine’s determination to carry the war into Russian territory, a move that could escalate the conflict further. As Ukraine continues to increase the frequency and intensity of its attacks on Russian soil, there is a risk of retaliatory measures from Moscow. Russia’s response to these attacks will likely shape the next phase of the conflict, and it remains to be seen whether this will provoke more aggressive countermeasures.
The international community will also be closely watching these developments. The growing use of drones by both Ukraine and Russia reflects a broader trend in global military strategy, as more countries invest in unmanned aerial systems for reconnaissance and attack purposes. The success of Ukrainian drone operations may prompt other nations to reevaluate their own military strategies and the role of drones in modern warfare.
As Ukraine continues to target Russian military infrastructure, further strikes on similar facilities are anticipated. According to the Ukrainian security source, plans are in place for additional operations aimed at reducing Russia’s missile capabilities. These efforts are likely to continue as long as Ukraine sees success in disrupting Russian logistics and weakening its ability to conduct missile strikes.
For Russia, the destruction of an ammunition depot in the Tver region is a wake-up call. Moscow will likely take steps to reinforce its defenses against future drone attacks, possibly by investing in better counter-drone technologies or dispersing its military assets to make them less vulnerable to concentrated strikes.
In the broader context of the war, these drone strikes are just one element of a multi-faceted conflict that has seen both sides adapt their strategies in response to changing circumstances on the ground. As the war drags on, the use of drones and other advanced technologies will likely become even more central to both Ukraine and Russia’s military efforts. Whether these strikes will decisively shift the balance of power remains to be seen, but for now, Ukraine’s ability to launch successful operations deep within Russian territory signals a new phase in the conflict.