Russia region orders evacuation after Ukraine drone attack | BBC News

Summary

A Ukrainian drone strike hit a large Russian ammunition warehouse near Moscow, causing massive fires and explosions. The attack, which targeted military supplies used in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, led to a partial evacuation in the town of Torpet. Ukraine's Security Service claims this as a significant military and political win, demonstrating its growing drone capabilities. Western allies have not yet authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles on Russian territory, though discussions continue. Ukraine continues drone attacks despite the lack of Western-supplied long-range weapons.

Takeaways

• 🚁 A Ukrainian drone hit a Russian ammunition warehouse near Belarus, Lithuania, and close to Moscow.
• 💥 The warehouse stored guided air missiles and other weapons used in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• 🔥 Footage shows large columns of smoke and fires following the attack, causing significant damage.
• 📍 The attack occurred nearly 500 km from the Ukraine border and close to Moscow, showcasing Ukraine's growing capability with long-range drones.
• 🇺🇦 For Ukraine, this attack is significant militarily and politically, boosting morale and sending a message to the West.
• 💣 The destroyed facility was worth nearly £30 million and stored fuel tanks, artillery shells, and ballistic missiles.
• 🌍 NASA reported seeing multiple heat sources from satellite imagery, indicating the power of the explosions.
• ⚠️ Ukraine’s drone attacks have increased in frequency and confidence over the past year, even without Western missiles.
• 🛑 Western allies have yet to permit Ukraine to use long-range missiles on Russian targets, though discussions are ongoing.
• 🗣️ Ukraine continues to push for Western support while demonstrating its ability to strike within Russia, using domestically-made drones if necessary.

Q & A

What was the target of the Ukrainian drone strike mentioned in the script?

The Ukrainian drone strike targeted a warehouse in Russia that was storing ammunition, including guided air missiles, in the Theair region near the Belarus border.

What was the significance of the location of this attack?

The warehouse hit by the drone was located close to Moscow, highlighting Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory, which is a significant escalation in the conflict.

What types of weapons were stored in the warehouse that was attacked?

The warehouse contained a variety of weapons including guided air missiles, fuel tanks, artillery shells, ballistic missiles, and other explosives used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.

What was the immediate response from Russian authorities following the drone strike?

Russian authorities ordered a partial evacuation in the nearby western town of Torpet following the attack, suggesting the severity of the situation.

How did the attack affect the surrounding area?

The attack generated large plumes of smoke and fires. It also caused significant energy release, visible in NASA's satellite imagery and was strong enough to trigger a minor magnitude earthquake in the area.

What impact does this strike have on Ukraine's military and political goals?

Militarily, the strike boosts Ukrainian morale at a crucial time, while politically, it sends a message to the West, demonstrating Ukraine's ability to strike Russian targets, even without Western-supplied long-range missiles.

What has been Ukraine’s strategy regarding drone attacks over the past year?

Ukraine has increasingly ramped up drone attacks, using domestically made drones to strike long-range targets, gaining confidence and ambition with each successful operation.

Why is the West hesitant to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles?

The West, particularly allies like the UK, have concerns about escalating the conflict with Russia if Ukraine were to use Western-supplied long-range missiles to strike deep inside Russian territory.

What might happen if the West decides to provide long-range missiles to Ukraine?

If the West approves, Ukraine would likely begin striking military air bases and other significant targets inside Russia. However, the announcement of such aid might come only after Ukraine conducts the strikes.

What is the alternative if Ukraine does not receive long-range missiles from the West?

Ukraine would continue using its domestically manufactured drones to strike Russian targets, but the scale of these attacks would be limited compared to what could be achieved with Western assistance.