Russia hit by huge explosion just hours after Ukraine ramps up counteroffensive
The blasts went off near the headquarters of the southern military district command
Twitter
Massive explosions have been spotted in Russia, just hours after Ukraine have stepped up their counteroffensive efforts.
Red flames and smoke engulfed part of the city of Rostov-on-Don, which is located around 100km from the Ukrainian border.
Three buildings were damaged in the attack and one person was injured when a drone crashed into the city, the TASS news agency reports.
The blasts went off near the headquarters of the southern military district command, which plays a pivotal role in Russia’s offensive efforts in Ukraine.
Ukraine has upped their drone attacks in recent weeks, as Kyiv ramps up their counter-offensive efforts
Two of the Ukrainian drones were later shot down, according to Russia’s defence ministry.
One drone fell just outside of the city, whilst another plummeted in Rostov, shattering windows in a railway station building and damaging nearby cars.
Rostov is a pivotal logistical hub for Putin, as it is the home of the command centre for the Russian joint group of forces in Ukraine.
It is the largest city in southern Russia and is located nearby the Ukrainian frontline.
Meanwhile, another drone was shot down in Moscow’s Ramensky district, according to Mayor Sergeri Sobyanin.
Ukraine has upped their drone attacks in recent weeks, as Kyiv ramps up their counter-offensive efforts.
Their counter-offensive effort has recently been focused on expanding the bridgehead around Robotyne, a village in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.
Ukraine successfully seized the village from the Russians over a week ago, and now their efforts have been focused on trying to expand their reach on the area.
The troops have allegedly broken through the first of three Russian lines of defence in the region.
Yuriy Sak, an advisor to Ukraine’s defence minister, confirmed that the breach was a success.
"Little by little, I think we're gaining momentum," he said.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Rostov is a pivotal logistical hub for Putin, as it houses the command centre for the Russian joint group of forces in Ukraine
ReutersIt is part of Ukraine’s offensive push launched in early June to strike Russia’s defensive lines and sever their path to Crimea, according to the Kyiv Post.
In August, a successful drone strike against Russia was believed to have come from inside the country itself.
The UK Defence Ministry said that the recent offensive “adds weight to the assessment” that some Ukrainian counterattacks are being initiated within Russia.
The drone strike was located 650km away from the Ukrainian border.
The UK Defence Ministry said the repeated triumphant attacks have raised questions about Russia’s ability to protect its strategic locations.