Authorities in Russia’s Tver region have initiated a partial evacuation following a drone strike from Ukraine that ignited a fire in the town of Toropets.
Local governor Igor Rudenya confirmed the situation and stated that emergency services are currently working to control the blaze, which was caused by debris from the drone.
While the number of casualties has not been confirmed, unverified videos circulating online depict a significant explosion, with some reports suggesting that a weapons depot may have been targeted. The town of Toropets, home to around 13,000 residents, is situated approximately 380 km northwest of Moscow.
Local officials have arranged buses for the evacuation, though it remains unclear how many people will be moved. As a precaution, schools and kindergartens in the area have been closed. Despite the evacuation, officials maintain that the situation is under control.
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In addition to the events in Tver, other Russian regions, including Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol, and Smolensk, reported drone and missile strikes overnight, with local officials indicating that nearly 50 drones and two missiles were intercepted.
The ongoing conflict has heightened tensions, with both sides reporting military activities. Russia recently claimed to have regained control of several villages in the Kursk region amid continued offensives against Ukrainian forces.