On September 18, Ukrainian drones targeted a Russian military depot, reportedly destroying a cache of North Korean missiles, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and air defense systems.
Using over 100 UAVs, the strike occurred in Toropets, about 300 miles from Ukraine’s border, and led to significant destruction, including “considerable stocks of North Korean KN23 ballistic missiles” and S-300 systems, as reported by the Astra Telegram channel.
This operation, conducted by Ukraine’s Security Service and Intelligence Forces, resulted in fires, several injuries, and evacuations of local residents, according to The Associated Press.
Uncredited, KCNA via KNS/Associated Press
Reports indicate the fire spanned four miles and the depot contained Iskander and Tochka-U missiles, glide bombs, and artillery shells.
In June, North Korea and Russia renewed a military cooperation agreement, with Kim Jong Un offering his “full support” for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Despite denial from Pyongyang and Moscow regarding arms provision, Western intelligence points to evidence confirming the contrary.
Ukraine has recently ramped up drone strikes within Russia, taking advantage of advancing technology.
This specific strike may be one of the largest incidents in the war, with estimates of the explosion’s force reaching between 1.3 and 1.8 kilotons of TNT.
By September 19, authorities confirmed ongoing fires, but Tver regional Governor Igor Rudenya assured evacuees they could return home soon.
Sources from Ukraine’s Security Service hinted at future similar attacks aimed at degrading Russia’s military capabilities.
Additionally, reports surfaced that Sergei Shoigu, a high-ranking Russian official, visited Iran on September 17 to negotiate for more weapon supplies, coinciding with meetings with Kim and Syrian leader Bashar Assad earlier that week.