Kyiv, Ukraine – The death toll from yesterday’s Russian airstrike on an ammunition depot in the Kyiv region has risen to 38. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the tragic official toll, also noting significant contamination in the area surrounding the site due to the massive explosions and flying debris. The Russian military launched a precision drone strike overnight Friday into Saturday, targeting a Ukrainian military facility in the Mila district on the outskirts of Kyiv. The facility was used to store large quantities of ammunition, drones, and explosives. The strike caused a massive explosion followed by a huge fire. Subsequent secondary explosions then spread the flames to surrounding areas.
Zelenskyy explained in a Telegram post that rescue efforts are continuing tirelessly. Firefighters have managed to extinguish most of the fires. The official death toll stands at 38, with 20 injured. Four people remain missing and are still being searched for under the rubble.
Widespread criticism of the presence of military installations in the middle of residential neighborhoods
This devastating attack has sparked a new and sharp wave of criticism against the Ukrainian authorities for their decision to establish and store such dangerous military equipment within populated residential areas. This disaster is reminiscent of a similar attack on July 6th, when a Russian strike targeted the Vyshnevo area near Kyiv, specifically an ammunition depot belonging to the Ukroboronprom military-industrial complex. That depot was also located near residential areas, resulting in the deaths of eight people and the destruction of numerous nearby homes.
Formal criminal investigations into suspected negligence and illegal storage
In the wake of the disaster, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office officially announced the launch of an urgent investigation into “criminal negligence.” This investigation aims to determine the “legality of storing explosives and hazardous materials” at the Mela residential complex. Additionally, the investigation will examine whether military and other responsible parties violated safety and public health standards. As a result, civilian lives were directly endangered, and the loss of life and property was exacerbated.
