Pro-Russian separatist authorities in Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria said on Sunday that the explosion at a military site was likely caused by a drone launched from Ukraine.
Transnistria is a primarily Russian-speaking region that has long relied on Moscow for support, and broke away from Moldova after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The authorities said on social media: “Today a fire broke out on the territory of a military base in Tiraspol as a result of an explosion.”
They added, “It has been tentatively proven that the explosion was caused by a suicide drone attack,” claiming that the drone was launched from the Odessa region in Ukraine.
Separatist officials said no one was hurt and opened a criminal investigation.
There was no immediate comment on the incident from Kiev or Moscow.
Grainy footage distributed by the separatist authorities showed a shell hitting a military helicopter that was parked at an air base surrounded by fields.
Late last month, Transnistria asked Russia for “protection,” raising fears that the region could become a new flashpoint in Moscow's conflict with neighboring Ukraine.
In 2006, representatives of the separatist region announced a referendum on integration with Russia, which resulted in an overwhelming majority in its favour.
“Unapologetic tv specialist. Hardcore zombie trailblazer. Infuriatingly humble problem solver.”
More Stories
Israel and Hamas are exchanging blame amid few signs of a breakthrough in the ceasefire and hostage-taking talks
Rwanda will not guarantee the number of migrants it will receive from the UK
The war between Israel and Gaza: ceasefire talks intensified in Cairo