Wed Sep 18 07:13:35 UTC 2024: ## Drone Attack Sparks Evacuation in Russia’s Tver Region
**Toropets, Russia** – A partial evacuation has been ordered in Russia’s Tver region following a reported Ukrainian drone attack that sparked a fire in the town of Toropets. Local governor Igor Rudenya stated that emergency services are working to contain the blaze caused by falling drone debris, though casualties have not been confirmed.
Unverified footage circulating online appears to show a large explosion in Toropets, with reports suggesting a weapons depot may have been hit overnight. Located approximately 236 miles northwest of Moscow, the town of roughly 13,000 residents has prepared buses for evacuation, though the number of people being evacuated is unclear.
Authorities claim the situation is under control, but schools and kindergartens in the region have been closed for the day.
Overnight attacks were also reported in Russia’s Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol, and Smolensk regions, with local officials claiming they shot down nearly 50 drones and two missiles. Ukraine has not commented on the reported attacks.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air defenses were engaged against incoming Russian drones near Kyiv, according to the city’s military administration head. Explosions were also reported in Sumy, a city near the Russian border, though the extent of any casualties is unclear.
These events come amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. While the claims of both Russian and Ukrainian officials remain unverified, the incidents highlight the escalating conflict and its increasingly cross-border implications.
First Piper 