Ukrainian Drones Hit Major Military Depot in Russian Town Northwest of Moscow

Ukrainian drones targeted a significant military depot located in Toropets, a town deep within Russian territory, during the night. The attack, which led to a substantial fire, prompted evacuations of some local residents, as reported by a Ukrainian official and Russian news outlets. Russia’s Health Ministry confirmed that at least 13 individuals sustained injuries due to the incident.

The strike on Toropets, located approximately 380 kilometers (240 miles) northwest of Moscow and around 500 kilometers (300 miles) from Ukraine’s border, is indicative of Ukraine’s increasingly bold military actions against Russian assets. A Kyiv security official disclosed that this operation was executed by Ukraine’s Security Service in conjunction with its Intelligence and Special Operations Forces. This official opted to remain anonymous as they were not authorized to discuss details of the operation.

The military depot was reportedly stocked with Iskander and Tochka-U missiles, artillery shells, and glide bombs. The fire resulting from the strike spread across an area of about 6 kilometers (4 miles). A separate official from Ukraine’s Intelligence Office stated that the attack also destroyed North Korean KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles, although no supporting evidence was provided for this claim.

The military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has been cemented following a landmark agreement signed in June, detailing mutual military assistance. It was noted that over 100 domestically produced explosive drones were employed during this operation against the military depot.

According to reports from Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, local authorities confirmed that air defense systems were engaged in repelling what was described as a “massive drone attack” on Toropets, a town with a population nearing 11,000. The news agency also reported on the fire at the site and the evacuations that ensued. Consequently, the Health Ministry indicated that 13 individuals were hospitalized in connection with the event. Tver regional Governor Igor Rudenya later stated that all evacuated residents were allowed to return home.

As Ukraine refines its drone technology, successful strikes deep within Russian territory have become more frequent. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is actively pursuing approval from Western nations to employ advanced weaponry for operations targeting Russian facilities. There is cautiousness among some Western leaders, who fear that such actions could escalate their involvement in the ongoing conflict.

One of the main facets of Kyiv’s military strategy involves targeting military resources and infrastructure located deep within Russia. This approach aims to exert pressure on Russia and make civilians aware of the ramifications of the war, which has primarily unfolded on Ukrainian soil.

Ukrainian forces propelled into Russia’s Kursk border region last month, aligning with this strategy. The intent appears to be to compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to reevaluate his stance. Nevertheless, Putin has displayed no inclination to concede, instead opting to continue traditional warfare and erode Ukraine’s resolve while also attempting to dilute Western support for Kyiv.

Despite these efforts, the conflict has taken a significant toll, with U.K. Defense Ministry assessments suggesting that the war has likely resulted in over 600,000 Russian troop casualties, either killed or wounded.

In a recent development, Putin mandated an increase in troop numbers, aiming for a total of 1.5 million by December 1, which includes an additional 180,000 soldiers. On the diplomatic front, during a recent evening address, Zelenskyy detailed that his comprehensive war plan is nearing completion, claiming it is 90% prepared. He anticipates discussions with allies over the coming week regarding the strategy.

Zelenskyy’s plan aims not only for military victories on the battlefield but also seeks diplomatic and economic achievements. Although the specifics of this strategy remain confidential, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, noted that U.S. officials have reviewed the proposal and believe it presents a feasible plan. She remarked that this matter will be broached with other world leaders during the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in New York.

Source: AP News