Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on social media that the death toll resulting from a Russian strike on a warehouse west of Kyiv has climbed to 38 people, with four individuals still unaccounted for. The attack, which occurred on Friday night, targeted an ammunition storage facility, causing extensive explosions and fires that affected numerous homes and buildings nearby.
Efforts are underway by emergency workers to extinguish fires, locate missing persons, and eliminate any remaining explosive devices at the site in the village of Myla, according to Zelenskyy. He mentioned that 20 individuals sustained injuries, including two children.
Zelenskyy condemned the attack on Myla as a tragic event resulting from negligence in storing explosives in close proximity to civilians. An investigation is in progress to determine the circumstances surrounding the presence of ammunition at that location.
Russia Announces Plans for ‘Massive Strikes’ on Ukraine’s Energy Sector
Russia’s Defence Ministry announced its intention to launch significant strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in response to Ukraine’s targeting of Russian entities, including a major retailer dubbed “Russia’s Amazon,” and the oil and gas sector. These actions are believed to be financing and supporting Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov promised a proportional reaction to what he described as Ukraine’s escalatory behavior and its focus on Russian civilian economic interests.
In recent months, Ukraine has conducted strikes on Russian online retailer Wildberries, alleging the sale of goods contributing to the war effort. Ukrainian drones have also attacked Russian oil refineries and energy facilities, leading to a severe fuel shortage in a country known for its energy production.
New Ukrainian Defence Minister Aims to Address Funding Gap
Yevhen Khmara, Ukraine’s new defence minister, outlined plans to address the substantial funding shortfall inherited from his predecessor, including seeking increased support from partners. Khmara, a former special forces officer turned civilian minister, emphasized the importance of sustaining military operations amid financial challenges, ensuring soldiers receive necessary resources and compensation.
Hundreds of Ukrainian Drones Sent into Russia
Russia’s Defence Ministry stated that its forces intercepted or neutralized nearly 500 Ukrainian drones launched overnight. Reports from independent news sources indicated that these drone strikes resulted in a fire at a major oil refinery in Kirishi, Russia. The facility, Kirishi Petroleum Organic Synthesis, is a key refinery in the region.
Local authorities confirmed that a fire broke out in the industrial zone of Kirishi following the drone attacks, with dozens of drones shot down in the surrounding area. Additional incidents were reported, including casualties from Russian strikes in Kyiv and Ukrainian attacks in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine.