Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the death toll from a Russian strike on a warehouse near Kyiv, the most lethal attack this year, has climbed to 38, with four individuals still unaccounted for. The strike targeted an ammunition storage facility, resulting in extensive explosions and fires that engulfed numerous nearby residences and structures. Efforts by emergency responders to extinguish fires and locate and disarm explosive devices at the site in the village of Myla are ongoing, as stated by Zelenskyy. He noted that 20 people sustained injuries, including two children.
Zelenskyy referred to the Myla incident as a “terrible situation,” attributing it to “terrible negligence” on the part of those responsible for storing explosives in close proximity to civilians. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to the storage of ammunition in that location.
The Russian Defence Ministry announced its plans to launch “massive strikes” against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in retaliation for Ukrainian drone operations targeting a major retailer known as “Russia’s Amazon” and the nation’s oil and gas sector. The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, promised an “appropriate response” to what he characterized as Ukraine’s escalation tactics and its impact on Russia’s civilian economy.
In recent months, Ukraine has conducted lethal strikes on the facilities of Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries, alleging the sale of dual-use goods aiding the Kremlin’s military actions. Ukrainian drones have also targeted Russian oil refineries and energy installations, leading to a significant fuel crisis in a country recognized as a major energy producer globally.
Yevhen Khmara, the new Ukrainian Defence Minister, outlined strategies for addressing the substantial funding deficit inherited from his predecessor, including seeking additional support from partners. Khmara’s appointment followed protests following the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov, which prompted a military restructuring in Kyiv and culminated in Fedorov’s call for elections. Khmara emphasized the importance of preventing shortages on the battlefield while ensuring soldiers receive payment and essential requirements are met.
Russian forces reported downing or neutralizing nearly 500 Ukrainian drones launched overnight. Unconfirmed reports suggested that drone strikes ignited a significant oil refinery in Kirishi, causing a fire in the industrial zone. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed casualties from Russian strikes on Kyiv, while incidents in eastern Ukraine and Russian-occupied regions resulted in additional fatalities and injuries.
Local authorities in Russia reported injuries from Ukrainian drone strikes in border regions, underscoring the escalating tensions between the two countries.