Deadly Russian strike hits site with weapons developers in Kyiv region
Photo: Aftermath of Russian strike (t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
On Friday, July 24, Russian forces launched a ballistic missile strike on a site in Kyiv region where weapons developers were present. The attack killed several people and left dozens injured.
RBC-Ukraine reports everything known about the tragedy so far.
Key points:
- What happened: Russia attacked Kyiv region with three ballistic missiles during the day. Two reached their targets.
- Where it hit: A private training ground in Bucha district was targeted. Representatives of Ukraine's defense industry were present at the site.
- What is known about the casualties: Ten (updated) people have been confirmed dead, with dozens more injured.
- Threat of further strikes: Ukraine's Air Force warns that Russia has stockpiled missiles for another attack, urging people to pay close attention to air raid alerts.
Strike hits site where weapons developers were present
The Ukrainian Council of Armaments said Russian forces launched a missile strike on Kyiv region, hitting a site where representatives of Ukraine's defense industry were present.
The organization said information about the participants' exact location had not been made public. Authorities are currently investigating all the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Representatives of the Council of Armaments clarified that their team did not organize the event but remains in contact with colleagues and is providing them with the necessary support.
President's reaction
"A rescue operation is currently underway in the Kyiv region following a Russian missile strike. As of now, dozens of people have been reported injured. It has also been confirmed that, tragically, sіх people were killed," Zelenskyy said.
The president added that all necessary services were working at the strike site, while authorities were establishing the full circumstances of the incident and determining the fate of those affected.
The head of state emphasized that Russia has long disregarded international and humanitarian norms and is "interested only in continuing the killings." He also said that Patriot missiles remain the number one priority.
Russia has stockpiled missiles for another strike
Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said during a national telethon that Russian forces had stockpiled a certain number of missiles. He urged people to respond to air raid alerts with maximum caution in the coming days.
"The fact that the enemy is striking with ballistic missiles is no secret to anyone. Today, the strikes were carried out during the daytime rather than at night. There is already discussion that certain events were taking place there. I think law enforcement and the relevant authorities will look into this matter," Ihnat said.
The spokesperson noted that three missiles were launched: air defenses intercepted one, while two hit targets in Kyiv region.
He added that the Ukrainian military has long prohibited various events and large gatherings.
Strike hits private training ground
Ruslan Oliinyk, acting head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration, said Bucha district suffered the most damage from the Russian ballistic strike.
"According to preliminary information, the strike hit the grounds of a private training facility where an event was taking place. This information is currently being thoroughly verified," he said.
Oliinyk added that more detailed information about the consequences of the Russian attack would be provided later.
What happened before the strike
Explosions were heard in the Kyiv region after Ukraine's Air Force warned of several incoming missiles. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko later said medics had been called to the Sviatoshynskyi district.
It should be noted that overnight, Russia attacked Ukraine with five missiles and 180 strike drones. Ukrainian air defenses shot down most of the enemy targets, but some strikes still hit their targets.
