Craters Visible From Space: Satellite imagery Shows Decimated russian 197th Arsenal in Toropets
Fresh satellite images from today, September 19, testify to the unprecedented success of Ukraine’s long-range attack on the large ammunition depot near Toropets, russia, carried out on September 18. Known as the 107th Arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate (GRAU) of the russian Ministry of Defense, this facility was responsible for storing an estimated 30,000 tons of explosives.
Now, following the Ukrainian strike and subsequent detonations, the site is reduced to vast craters and the remains of shelters — some completely collapsed, others severely damaged. Although the image resolution isn’t perfect, the extent of the devastation is unmistakable due to the sheer scale of destruction.
The satellite image above shows the newly modernized section of the arsenal. Before the attack, it appeared like this:
The rows of new shelters, which russian authorities claimed met the highest standards of protection, now bear the brunt of the destruction. The damage is easier to appreciate when viewed in motion:
Significant damage is also visible in the older section of the depot, where the shelters were simpler and more worn down. It’s important to note that the light haze over the site isn’t cloud cover — it’s smoke, as smaller fires continue to burn, though less intensely.
For a clearer view of the devastation, here’s an artificially enhanced image in high-contrast color:
It’s worth recalling that the 107th Arsenal was believed to hold around 30,000 tons of ammunition, including air defense and tactical ballistic missiles.
Additionally, at least six other major arsenals belonging to GRAU of the russian Ministry of Defense are situated within a 750 km range of Ukraine, making them potential targets for future attacks.