In brief
Russian forces struck a munition depot on the outskirts of Kyiv, claiming 37 lives and displacing nearly 400 people. The explosion also damaged a residential care home, sparked outrage from President Zelensky over negligence, and prompted investigations into storage practices. The incident follows a similar July attack that killed nine and injured dozens. The U.S. military and Ukrainian officials say the depot stored launch boosters for FP‑1/FP‑2 drones, while local residents report extensive property damage. Authorities have called for criminal proceedings and a review of the legality of storing explosives so close to homes.
At least 37 people died and almost 400 were evacuated after a Russian drone strike hit a weapons depot storing artillery shells, mines and unmanned aerial vehicle components on the outskirts of Kyiv.
The explosion damaged nearby homes, including a care home for the elderly and disabled, and forced rescue crews to work under a fire that erupted from the warehouse.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said the depot “definitely shouldn’t have been there,” condemning the “terrible negligence” of storing explosives next to residential buildings.
The strike is the second major attack on a Kyiv‑area munition depot in recent months, following a July incident that killed nine and injured dozens, with more than 280 homes damaged.
Local resident Liubov Pavlenko, 45, described cracks and structural damage around her home, 200 m from the warehouse. She said she felt numb, expecting a “big breakdown” if she returned.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed its forces targeted an ammunition depot in Myla, a village west of Kyiv, that held launch boosters for FP‑1/FP‑2 long‑range drones. It reported the explosion had damaged about 130 homes.
Five children were among the 42 people injured, with rescue operations ongoing in Bucha district.
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s office has begun reviewing the legality of placing explosives near residential buildings, and criminal proceedings have been opened on charges of official negligence.
The incident has reignited questions over why munitions are stored close to populated areas, given the frequency of Russian aerial attacks.
In related reports, Russia announced two deaths and 25 injuries from attacks in Belgorod and Rostov. The Ukrainian military said it had downed 233 Russian drones, while commercial retailers like Ozon had suspended operations due to dangers in the area.
