Overnight, Ukrainian drones struck one of Russia’s largest arsenals in Toropets, Tver Oblast, causing a massive explosion, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
The facility, boasting defenses claimed to withstand even nuclear blasts, was heavily damaged.
The arsenal, which housed ballistic missiles, including Iskanders, anti-aircraft missiles, artillery ammunition, and KAB guided bombs, was a key military site for Russia.
The attack reportedly "wiped out" a significant portion of the arsenal, which had been designed as a secure storage facility for Russia's missile and artillery stockpile.
This site, under the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate, was constructed from 2015 to 2018 as part of a 90 billion ruble ($980 million) upgrade to Russia’s arms storage facilities.
Detected by NASA satellites
The explosions in Toropets were so intense that they were detected by NASA satellites, with a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) impact radius.
Despite the facility’s modern design intended to contain fires and explosions, the detonation appears to have led to a chain reaction.
Military expert Serhiy Zgurets noted that the arsenal, which stored around 30,000 tons of ammunition, might have been vulnerable due to possibly improper storage practices or advanced Ukrainian drone capabilities.
Tver Oblast Governor Igor Rudenya reported a fire caused by debris but assured that the situation was under control.
The Russian Defense Ministry, however, did not acknowledge the strike in their report on nighttime drone attacks.
The incident highlights potential weaknesses in Russia's military defenses and raises concerns about the effectiveness of air defense systems.
