THIS is the terrifying moment a fireball and mushroom cloud erupts over a Ukrainian city after Russia targeted ammunition silos.

Russia is said to have sent 21 drones to attack the western city of Khmelnytskyi and although 17 were shot down, four were able to reach their target.

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The initial blast sent flames soaring into the sky over KhmelnytskyiCredit: East2West
A Russian drone strike is said to have targeted ammunition silos

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A Russian drone strike is said to have targeted ammunition silosCredit: East2West
Thick, black smoke is seen billowing into the air

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Thick, black smoke is seen billowing into the airCredit: East2West

Russian President Vladimir Putin is thought to be targeting missile storage centres in Ukraine as the invading forces are bracing for a counter-offensive from Kyiv.

It comes as The Sun Online revealed Ukrainian football hooligans have stopped brawling on the terraces and started fighting in the trenches.

The ultras, the main cohort of which follow Arsenal Kyiv – which is unrelated to their London namesake, formed their own battle unit and are fighting on the frontline against Putin’s forces.

The group have formed their own volunteer army of proud yobs, being known as the Kayfariki Group – which translates to “good vibes”.

Home city of Ukraine's Eurovision act hit by Russian missiles during show
Ukraine President Zelensky greeted by Pope Francis after flying to Vatican

They have seen action across Ukraine, being involved in battles such as in KhersonKharkiv and even in the bloody trenches of Bakhmut.

In a blow to Moscow, Russia was forced to admit yesterday that two of its senior commanders had been killed amid fighting in Bakhmut, in eastern Ukraine.

The Defence Ministry said Commander Vyacheslav Makarov of the 4th Motorised Rifle Brigade and Deputy Commander Yevgeny Brovko from a separate unit were killed while trying to repel a Ukrainian attack.

According to the ministry, Makarov had been leading troops from the front line while Brovko “died heroically, suffering multiple shrapnel wounds”.

Officials said “nearly 30” people were injured in the Khmelnytskyi blast but only two needed hospital treatment.

The blast reportedly damaged educational and medical institutions, administrative buildings, industrial facilities, high-rise buildings and private residences.

A Russian pro-war source said: “We are seeking to destroy the weapons and ammunition stockpiled by Ukraine from Nato countries.

“This is a big strike but we need more because we know Ukraine now has superior military firepower to us in many areas.”

Ukrainian air force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said: “Unfortunately, not all drones were destroyed that night – 17 out of 21 UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). There were four hits in Khmelnytskyi region.”

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday said his country was preparing a counter-offensive which would aim to liberate areas occupied by Russia, rather than to attack Russian territory.

Russian forces launched an attack on warehouses in Ternopil on Saturday, the home city of Ukraine’s Eurovision act just minutes before the duo took to the stage.

As Tvorchi was getting set to perform their song inspired by soldiers who defended their war-torn country, the group revealed their hometown of Ternopil had been bombed.

BBC reported two people were injured when the missiles hit, and warehouses had been smashed to pieces.

Russia struck warehouses in Ternopil, just minutes before Ukraine's Eurovision act took to the stage

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Russia struck warehouses in Ternopil, just minutes before Ukraine’s Eurovision act took to the stageCredit: Reuters
Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky, left, meets with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier

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Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky, left, meets with German President Frank-Walter SteinmeierCredit: Reuters
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is thought to be be targeting missile storage centres in Ukraine

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Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is thought to be be targeting missile storage centres in UkraineCredit: Reuters

Jon Rogers

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