Multiple explosions rock Russian-occupied Luhansk, ammunition depot reportedly hit (video)

A former Soviet military facility near Gorky park was a target, footage shows explosions and smoke.

Oct 29, 2024 - 09:00
Multiple explosions rock Russian-occupied Luhansk, ammunition depot reportedly hit (video)

Multiple explosions rocked Russian-occupied Luhansk on the morning of 29 October, with strikes targeting a former Soviet military facility near Gorky park, according to a Ukrainian official and local sources. Russian media reported air defense activity in the area, citing occupation authorities, while videos shared on Telegram channels showed strikes and billowing smoke columns near Gorky park.

The attack continues Ukraine’s air strikes on Russian rear facilities, including airfields, ammo depots, and fuel sites in Russia and occupied areas, as Western allies continue withholding permission for missile use inside Russia. While precision missiles like Storm Shadow and ATACMS are vital for operations in occupied territories, Ukraine relies on drones to hit strategic targets deep in Russia.

Local sources suggested the target was the premises of former Soviet military unit A-0625, which housed armored vehicles until the 1990s, which Russian forces might have repurposed the abandoned facility for military use during the occupation.

The premises of the defunct facility lie near the city’s Gorky park, matching the strike location seen in videos. One clip captures a massive explosion, while another shows a SPG-7 recoilless gun munition lying in the park following the blast. These elements indicate that the facility may have been repurposed as an ammunition depot.

Munition on the ground in a Luhansk park following an allegedly Ukrainian missile attack on an ammo depot on 29 October 2024. Screenshot from a social media videoExplosio

The Russian occupation authorities claimed that “Ukraine’s Armed Forces attempted to attack Luhansk using missiles of an unidentified type, the attack was repelled by air defense forces.” The videos clearly show that the assault was not repelled.