The inferno broke out at the Yaroslavl Motor Plant – also known as Avtodizel, 170 miles northeast of Moscow.

3

3

3

Some 218 staff were evacuated as flames tore through the building, sending thick black smoke into the sky. 

At least seven people had to be rescued from the carnage. 

The plant produces engines for the Topol-M nuclear missile system and other equipment used by the Russian armed forces – including Ural trucks. 

In recent months, Ukraine has claimed responsibility via sabotage groups or supporters for a spate of explosions and fires in Russia.

Emergency services descended on the scene to contain the blaze.

The scale of the damage – and whether it will cause any delay in producing the equipment for Putin’s war in Ukraine – is not clear. 

The plant in Yaroslavl is one of the largest Russian facilities producing multi-purpose diesel engines, clutches, gearboxes, and spare parts.

The RT-2PM2 Topol-M is one of the most recent intercontinental ballistic missiles deployed by Russia.

It was the first to be developed after the end of the Soviet Union.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…

The Sun is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Download our fantastic, new and improved free App for the best ever Sun Online experience. For iPhone click here, for Android click here. 

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.