depot

It said the attack, on a depot around 100km from the border near the town of Karachev, caused 12 secondary explosions.

Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have used artillery and guided missiles extensively, to prevent enemy forces advancing and to attack supply depots and command centres.

On 14 October, it was collected from Neal’s Yard’s warehouse by a courier and taken to a depot – and then, mysteriously, it disappeared.

It said it had spent about £50m in preparation for the scheme - including buying vehicles and specialist equipment, leasing vehicle depots, processing sites and taking on extra staff.

Transnistria is home to a Russian military base and a huge arms depot.