major Ammunition Depot Engulfed in Explosions

A series of powerful explosions and subsequent detonations have been reported at the 51st arsenal of the Main Rocket-Artillery Directorate (GRAU), a key ammunition depot belonging to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The facility, identified as military unit 11785, is situated near Kirzhach, in the Vladimir region, northeast of Moscow. Initial reports suggest that Ukrainian drones may have been responsible for the attack.

The incident raises concerns about the security of Russian military infrastructure and the potential escalation of the conflict.The scale of the explosions indicates a notable loss of ammunition and potential disruption to Russian military logistics.

Eyewitness Accounts and Evacuation Efforts

Local residents have described a continuous barrage of explosions, with videos circulating on social media platforms depicting the unfolding situation. The severity of the situation has prompted authorities to initiate evacuation procedures in the surrounding areas.

Evacuation Underway

According to reports from the Russian Telegram channel “112,” the villages of Mirny and Barssovo, located in close proximity to the affected arsenal, are being evacuated. The Moscow-Kirzhach highway has been closed to traffic to facilitate the evacuation process.

The pro-Kremlin channel, MASH, indicates that evacuees are being directed to temporary shelters set up in schools No. 6 and No. 7 in Kirzhach. School buses are being utilized to transport residents from Mirny and Barssovo, and also six additional villages, bringing the total number of evacuated communities to eight.

While the regional governor has acknowledged the explosions, the specific cause remains officially unconfirmed.

The affected 51st Arsenal of the GRAU near Kirzhach in Vladimir Oblast.Explosions are ongoing ‘and are not stopping’, according to locals. pic.twitter.com/RdGZmiJQp3

— noelreports 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@noelreports) April 22, 2025

The Ministry of Emergency Situations in the Vladimir Region has issued an emergency alert. Simultaneously, the head of the region, Avdeev, has reportedly cautioned journalists and bloggers against disseminating details about the explosions, citing “security reasons and compliance with regional law,” according to the independent Russian Telegram channel astra. This raises concerns about potential censorship and the suppression of information regarding the incident.

Prior Attack on S-400 air defense System

Adding to the concerns, a separate report from a Russian source indicates a prior attack on an S-400 Triumph air defense system on April 11th. The attack allegedly targeted hangars in the village of Sorokin, Kursk region, utilizing drones.

The reported damage includes a R-149AKSH-1 command and staff vehicle, a “96L6-1V” Radar Station, two “5P85cm2-01” launchers, and six “48H6DM” anti-aircraft missiles. According to the Spy Table Telegram channel,the damaged complex has been evacuated for assessment.

Implications and analysis

These incidents, if confirmed as Ukrainian drone strikes, represent a significant escalation in the conflict. They demonstrate Ukraine’s growing capability to strike targets deep within Russian territory,potentially impacting Russia’s military capabilities and strategic planning. The attacks also raise questions about the effectiveness of Russian air defenses and the vulnerability of key military installations.

The potential disruption to ammunition supplies could affect Russia’s ability to sustain its military operations in Ukraine. Moreover, the psychological impact of these attacks on Russian morale and public opinion should not be underestimated.