dpa
Moscow
The small Russian town of Toropets, some 400 kilometres north-west of Moscow, has been partially evacuated after it was hit by a Ukrainian drone attack and a major fire broke out, officials said on Wednesday.
"Governor Igor Rudenja has ordered the partial evacuation of the population from areas where the anti-aircraft defence is active and the fire is being fought to ensure the safety of citizens,” the regional government’s press office said on Telegram.
The situation was under control, it said.
Differing versions circulated of what had caused the blaze, with officials saying it was sparked by falling drone debris.
According to media reports, the strike targeted a nearby munitions depot and the fire was started by explosions at the facility. Videos circulated online showing massive blasts that are said to have occurred at the munitions depot.
Kiev claimed responsibility for the attack. The head of the presidential office Andrii Yermak shared one of the videos with the caption: "Russian demilitarization is necessary to end the terror.” Toropets in the north-western Tver region is home to some 13,000.
The Russian Defence Ministry has so far not reported any drones shot down over the Tver region. It was not possible to independently verify the claims from either side.
Ukraine, which has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than two and a half years, is increasingly trying to target military infrastructure on Russian soil with drones to disrupt Moscow’s campaign in Ukraine.
Several military units are said to be stationed near Toropets and one of the objects reportedly was targeted in a drone attack in May.