A RUSSIAN defence ministry complex in southern Belgorod, bordering Ukraine, has caught fire, a local governor announced on Sunday.

According to Russian media, there was a massive explosion followed by a plume of smoke and fire in the area of Streletskoe and Tomarovka, some 10 miles from Belgorod.

The region’s governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reported that one person was hurt in the fire, but the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The defence ministry has made no quick reaction.

Mr Gladkov said: “A fire has occurred on the territory of one of the objects belonging to the MoD.

“All operational services are working at the site and all essential measures are being taken to ensure safety”.

He added: “There is information about one injured person among local residents.

“The injury is not serious and there is no danger to life. All necessary medical help is being provided.”

Images on social media purportedly from the incident show a big funnel of smoke rising above the ground.

It comes after Russia accused Ukraine of carrying out a helicopter strike on a gasoline store in Belgorod last month.

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