Russia's Tver region orders 'partial evacuation' after Ukraine drone attack

Emergency services are working to contain the blaze as Ukrainian drone strike causes fire in town of Toropets

A partial evacuation has been ordered in Russia's Tver region following a Ukrainian drone strike that caused a fire in the town of Toropets, according to local governor Igor Rudenya.

Emergency services are currently working to contain the blaze, which was sparked by falling drone debris. The number of casualties, if any, has not been confirmed.

Unverified footage circulating online shows a large explosion in the area, with some reports suggesting that a weapons depot may have been hit.

However, these claims remain unconfirmed. Toropets, a town of about 13,000 residents, is located approximately 380 km northwest of Moscow and 470 km from Ukraine's border.

Local authorities have stated that buses are prepared for the evacuation, although it is unclear how many people are being moved.

Schools and kindergartens in the region have been closed as a precaution. Despite the evacuation, officials assert that the situation in the town is "under control."

In addition to the attack in Tver, Russian regions Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol, and Smolensk reported drone and missile strikes overnight, with nearly 50 drones and two missiles being intercepted, according to local officials.

Ukraine has not commented on the attacks.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian air defenses were active against incoming Russian drones near the capital Kyiv, with blasts also reported in the northeastern city of Sumy, near the Russian border.

The extent of damage and potential casualties remain unclear. None of the claims from either side have been independently verified.

Previously, Russia's military announced on September 16 that it has regained control of two villages, Uspenovka and Borki, in the western region of Kursk as part of an ongoing offensive to repel Ukrainian forces that initiated an incursion in early August.

This follows Russia's claim last week of retaking 10 other villages in the area. The situation on the ground remains difficult to verify independently.

Kursk Governor Alexei Smirnov also ordered the evacuation of villages in the Rylsky and Khomutovsky districts, located approximately 40 kilometers north of Uspenovka.

In a message on Telegram, he cited security concerns but provided few specific details about the evacuation.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has called on the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to deploy teams to assess the situation in the areas of Kursk currently under Ukrainian control.

The strikes come amid ongoing tensions following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched by President Vladimir Putin in February 2022.