The death toll resulting from a Russian attack on a warehouse located west of Kyiv, marking this year’s deadliest assault in the conflict, has climbed to 38 individuals, with four individuals still unaccounted for, as stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on social media on Sunday. The incident, which occurred on Friday night at the warehouse identified as an ammunition storage facility by Ukrainian authorities, triggered significant explosions and fires that engulfed numerous nearby residences and structures.
Rescue personnel are actively working to extinguish fires and detect and neutralize explosive devices at the site situated in the village of Myla, according to Zelenskyy. He disclosed that 20 individuals sustained injuries, including two children. Zelenskyy referred to the Myla attack as a “dreadful situation” on Saturday and attributed it to “dreadful negligence by those who housed explosives in close proximity to civilians.” He announced an investigation into the circumstances leading to the storage of ammunition at that location.
In a separate development, Russia’s Defence Ministry announced intentions on Sunday to launch “massive strikes” targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. This decision follows Ukraine’s recent drone operations against a retailer dubbed “Russia’s Amazon” and the nation’s oil and gas sector, which Kyiv asserts both financially supports and directly sustains Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov pledged an “appropriate response” to what he described as Ukraine’s “escalatory actions” and targeting of Russia’s civilian economy.
Ukraine has carried out lethal strikes in recent months on the premises of Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries, alleging the sale of dual-use goods that have bolstered the Kremlin’s war endeavors. Ukrainian drones have also targeted Russian oil refineries and other energy facilities, leading to an unparalleled fuel crisis in a country renowned for its extensive energy output.
Furthermore, Ukraine’s new defence minister, Yevhen Khmara, addressed the multibillion-dollar funding gap inherited from his predecessor during his first interaction with journalists since assuming office on Saturday. Khmara, a former special forces officer transitioning to a civilian ministerial role, emphasized the importance of averting shortages on the battlefield while ensuring soldiers receive compensation and essential requirements are met.
In a related incident, on Sunday, the Russian Defence Ministry reported intercepting or disabling nearly 500 Ukrainian drones launched overnight. Independent sources on Russian and Ukrainian Telegram platforms asserted that drone strikes ignited a substantial oil refinery in Kirishi, located southeast of St Petersburg. While official confirmation is awaited, local authorities reported a fire outbreak in Kirishi’s industrial precinct following the drone attacks, with a total of 62 drones being downed in the adjoining region.
