Ukrainian President Zelensky stated on Saturday (August 29) that a Russian airstrike hit an ammunition depot in Kyiv Oblast, causing a massive explosion that resulted in at least 37 deaths and severe damage to surrounding homes and infrastructure.
In a video address, Zelensky said that the attack first targeted an ammunition storage facility in Myla village in Bucha, Kyiv Oblast, a facility that should not have been located there in the first place.
The attack triggered explosions of shells, mines, and drones on Friday night (August 28). The scale of the explosion was significant, causing damage to nearby buildings, including a nursing home for the elderly and disabled.
Authorities have launched an investigation to hold those responsible for the severe negligence of storing explosives near residential areas.
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office earlier stated that they are reviewing whether the placement and storage of explosives and materials near residential buildings in Myla village were legal.
According to the BBC, Bucha district head Tymur Tkachenko reported that 42 people were injured in the incident, including 4 children. On Saturday, rescue operations at the site of the Bucha incident are still ongoing.
For the third consecutive day, Russia has launched attacks on Kyiv and its surrounding areas, using more ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated in a release that the Russian military attacked an “ammunition depot” in Myla, storing components and boosters for “FP-1/FP-2 long-range drones.”
President Zelensky reported attacks on Odessa, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia during the night. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military claimed to have shot down 233 Russian drones.
On the other hand, Ukraine has also launched attacks on Russia. Local officials in Russia stated on Saturday that Belgorod and Rostov were targeted in airstrikes, resulting in 2 deaths and 25 injuries.
In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which is occupied by Russia, the appointed governor by Russia reported that a Ukrainian airstrike hit a shopping center, causing 4 injuries.
Online retailer Ozon in Russia reported that one of its logistics centers was targeted by Ukrainian drones overnight. The company mentioned that due to the existing danger in the region, they have suspended operations at another logistics center and evacuated staff.
In recent months, Russia and Ukraine have been intensifying attacks, with Ukraine focusing on economic targets in Russia. Zelensky announced on Friday that Ukraine plans to significantly increase the frequency of long-range drone strikes on Russia, aiming to deploy 1,000 drones daily.