A Russian drone strike hit an ammunition depot in Myla, in the Kyiv region, triggering a sequence of explosions that left at least 37 dead and dozens injured. The impact damaged more than 50 residential buildings and forced hundreds of residents to leave the area.
Ukrainian authorities reported that the depot stored ammunition, drones, and other explosives. The proximity of the military material to residences and a care facility for the elderly and people with disabilities is now being investigated as possible negligence.
Explosions increased the damage
The secondary detonation spread fire and debris across a wide area, hampering access for emergency teams. Among the victims was a community leader who had gone to the scene to help with the rescue. Residents were evacuated as a precaution while firefighters worked under the risk of further explosions.
Russia confirmed hitting military infrastructure and stated that the target stored long-range drone components. Ukraine, for its part, blamed Moscow for the attack and announced criminal proceedings to investigate why explosives were stored so close to the civilian population.
Audit of the depots
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the situation as a serious breach of security. The case follows another incident involving a depot near inhabited areas, increasing pressure for a national audit of military facilities.
The offensive also hit other Ukrainian regions and comes amid the growing use of faster drones and missiles against logistical infrastructure. Information about casualties and damage may change as search efforts progress.
Protection of civilians
Military facilities close to communities increase the risk of collateral damage when struck. The investigation is expected to assess administrative accountability, compliance with storage rules, and measures to transfer explosive material to safer areas.
Sources: Reuters and Associated Press.
