Ukrainian drone strike ignites ammunition depot in southern Russia

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) — An ammunition depot in the southern Russian town of Tikhoretsk ignited on Saturday after a Ukrainian drone strike, regional authorities said.

Krasnodar region Governor Veniamin Kondratiev stated on Telegram that two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used in the attack were jammed, but that their falling debris caused the fire that spread to explosive objects, causing detonations.

He said about 1,200 residents of a nearby settlement had been temporarily evacuated due to the fire.

Preliminary information indicates that there are no casualties, Kondratiev noted. Authorities also imposed curbs on movement to and from the town.

In a separate statement on Telegram, the press service of the Wagner paramilitary group said Ukraine's drone attack also triggered a fire at its former base in the settlement of Molkino, also in Krasnodar.

The fire engulfed administrative buildings used during the group's stay at the site, it said.

In a separate statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said over 177 Ukrainian drones were destroyed over Russia last night.