In brief
A Russian unmanned aerial vehicle struck an ammunition depot on the outskirts of Kyiv, killing 37 civilians and forcing the evacuation of almost 400 people in Myla. The blast triggered secondary explosions that damaged at least 130 homes, including a care home for the elderly. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the storage of explosives near residential areas and called for criminal investigations. Ukrainian authorities announced that the prosecutor general’s office is reviewing the legality of placing explosives close to civilian dwellings. With 42 injured, including four children, the incident has intensified calls for tighter safety protocols amid ongoing Russian aerial attacks.
A Russian drone struck an ammunition depot on the outskirts of Kyiv on Friday night, killing 37 civilians and forcing the evacuation of almost 400 residents in Myla.
The initial strike set off shells, mines and drones, causing a destructive blast that damaged nearby homes, including a care home for the elderly and disabled. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, said the depot “definitely shouldn’t have been there” and announced an investigation into “terrible negligence” by those who stored explosives next to people.
The blast tore through about 130 houses in the village. Local resident Liubov Pavlenko, who lives 200 meters from the warehouse, reported extensive cracks and structural damage around her home, saying she felt “numb” after the incident.
A total of 42 people were injured in the explosion, including four children, according to regional head Tymur Tkachenko. Rescue operations are ongoing in the Bucha district.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence said its forces targeted an ammunition depot in Myla holding components and launch boosters for FP-1/FP-2 long‑range unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Ukrainian prosecutor general’s office is examining the legality of placing explosives near residential buildings and the decisions of officials who approved such storage. President Zelensky warned that “regulations exist—ammunition cannot be stored near homes” and that criminal proceedings will be opened.
The incident follows a July strike on an ammunition warehouse in Vyshneve that killed nine people and damaged 280 homes. Critics question why munitions are stored so close to populated areas amid regular Russian aerial attacks.
Prime Minister Sergiy Koretsky said the same mistakes “over and over is criminal negligence” and demanded punishment for those responsible. Other Ukrainian officials reported a 14‑year‑old killed in Boryspil, a 2‑year‑old dying in Obolonskyi, and fresh strikes claiming five lives across the country.
Ukrainian forces shot down 233 Russian drones that night, while Russia increased aerial raids on Ukrainian targets, including the country’s largest online retailer, Wildberries.
