The Moldovan breakaway region of Transnistria states that an explosion occurred at a military facility, reports the Russian state news agency Ria Novosti.
The pro-Russian authorities claim that the explosion was probably caused by a kamikaze drone from Ukraine. No one is reported to have been injured.
“Today, a fire broke out in the area of a military facility in (regional capital) Tiraspol as a result of an explosion,” authorities said on social media, claiming the drone was fired from Ukraine’s Odessa region.
A criminal investigation is said to have been launched.
The incident has so far not been commented on by either Ukraine or Russia.
Grainy footage distributed by separatist authorities shows an object slamming into a military helicopter stationed at an airbase, surrounded by fields.
Asked for Russian protection
In late February, the pro-Kremlin leadership of Transnistria asked Russia for “protection,” according to a resolution passed in the autonomous region.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, observers have warned that Moscow may have plans for Transnistria.
Russian-speaking Transnistria broke away from Moldova in connection with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. Since then, the region functions in practice as a self-governing state with Russian financial support and Russian military presence.
Internationally, Transnistria is recognized only as part of Moldova. In a 2006 referendum, which is not seen as legitimate internationally, 97.2 percent of residents voted to join Russia.