Russian forces target Ukrainian military training ground - Investigation launched
Photo: Mykhailo Drapatyi, commander of the Ground Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (Getty Images)
The Russian army carried out a strike on a training ground where Ukrainian military personnel were present. A thorough investigation is currently ongoing to determine all the circumstances of the incident, according to Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi.Russian Forces Target
Background
Earlier, reports had begun circulating in the media about an enemy strike during the formation of soldiers from the 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the Novomoskovskyi training ground in the Samarskyi district of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed an Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system hit the training ground.
At that time, the Ukrainian command neither confirmed the attack nor provided information regarding casualties.
Drapatyi’s statement
"The tragedy at the training ground is a horrific consequence of an enemy strike. War demands quick decisions, responsibility, and new security standards—otherwise, we lose more than we gain," Drapatyi wrote, confirming the attack on the training ground.
However, he did not disclose details about the exact location of the tragedy or the number of casualties and injured personnel. According to him, an investigation into the incident is underway, and he is personally monitoring every step to clarify all the details down to the second.
"I waited for the first verified data so as not to make empty statements, and now I must warn: everyone who made decisions that day, and everyone who failed to make timely decisions — will all be held accountable. No one will hide behind explanations or formal reports," the Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces stated.
He further added that he had already ordered an independent investigation involving military counterintelligence to ensure that no detail was overlooked and that those responsible were identified and could not evade justice.
"I will demand the harshest punishment. Those who, after years of war, continue to negligently and formally perform their duties, those who drag military personnel into outdated procedures, disregarding their safety, those who seek self-affirmation not in battle but by oppressing subordinates — all of them disgrace the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Drapatyi wrote.
Ukrainian Ground Forces statement
According to the Ukrainian Ground Forces Command, on March 1, one of their units became the target of an enemy missile strike.
Tragically, there have been casualties and injuries, though the exact number has not been disclosed.
"The command and personnel of the Ukrainian Ground Forces express deep condolences to the families and friends of the servicemen who lost their lives in this missile strike," the statement read.
The Ground Forces also confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the incident's circumstances. The Military Law Enforcement Service and other relevant authorities are being provided with all necessary information to ensure maximum transparency in the investigation.
"We remind you that Russian occupiers conduct not only missile strikes but also information and psychological operations. We urge all citizens and media representatives not to fall for enemy manipulations and not to spread unverified information," the statement concluded.
On January 26, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Major General Drapatyi would be appointed to lead the operational-strategic group Khortytsia in the Donetsk region. However, Drapatyi will retain his position as Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.
