Russian Drone Strike Hits Ukraine Weapons Depot Near Kyiv, Killing 37 and Injuring Dozens
Kyiv, Ukraine: At least 37 people have been killed and dozens more injured after a Russian drone strike targeted a weapons storage facility near Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, triggering a massive explosion that damaged surrounding residential areas.
The blast occurred late Friday after a drone attack struck a military depot believed to be storing ammunition and equipment used by Ukraine’s armed forces. The explosion caused stored shells, mines, and unmanned aerial vehicle components to detonate, creating widespread destruction in nearby communities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said nearly 400 people have been evacuated from the affected area following the incident. He described the placement of explosive materials close to civilian homes as a serious failure and announced that an investigation had been launched into what he called “terrible negligence.”
According to regional officials, 42 people were injured in the explosion, including four children. Emergency rescue teams continued operations in the Bucha district as authorities searched damaged buildings and provided assistance to affected residents.
The strike damaged around 130 houses in the village of Myla, located west of Kyiv. Many residents reported severe damage to their homes, including broken windows, structural cracks, and destroyed property.
A local resident, Liubov Pavlenko, said her house, located about 200 meters from the warehouse, suffered significant damage. She described the aftermath as overwhelming, with cracks appearing throughout the building and concerns about its safety.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that its forces carried out an attack on what it described as an ammunition depot in Myla. Moscow claimed the facility contained components and launch systems linked to Ukraine’s long-range unmanned aerial vehicles.
The incident has sparked renewed criticism over the storage of military materials near civilian areas. President Zelensky stated that keeping explosives close to residential communities was unacceptable and said criminal proceedings had been opened against officials accused of negligence.
The explosion marks the second major attack involving a weapons storage facility near Kyiv in recent months, increasing concerns over civilian safety and military infrastructure management during the ongoing conflict.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the cause of the disaster, while rescue and recovery operations remain underway in the affected region.
