37 killed in Russian drone strike on ammunition depot near Kiev

At least 37 people lost their lives in a Russian drone strike on an ammunition depot near the Ukrainian capital of Kiev, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky's report on Telegram. The attack occurred shortly after 8pm on Friday, resulting in significant damage to surrounding infrastructure, including residential buildings and a care home for the elderly and disabled.

Dozens of individuals were injured in the incident. Among the deceased was Taras Didych, the head of the local council for the village of Dmytrivka, who had rushed to the scene. Over 300 emergency service personnel responded to the location, and more than 400 people were evacuated from the area surrounding the village. The public prosecutor's office stated that a company site was targeted in the village of Myla, located about 5 kilometers from the outskirts of Kiev.

Zelensky expressed concern over the regulations surrounding the storage of ammunition, citing criminal proceedings initiated following the attack. The prosecutor's office subsequently announced the launch of an investigation into "negligence in the performance of duty" and the Russian drone strike. Russian sources also confirmed the attack on the ammunition depot.

As a consequence, a portion of the main road from Kiev, stretching several kilometers westward, was completely closed to facilitate fire-fighting and rescue operations. Videos shared on social media depicted a fire and explosions occurring during the dusk hours. Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Kortesyy referred to a similar incident in early July near the southwest outskirts of the capital.

Additionally, Zelensky reported over 260 drone strikes targeting various locations across the country overnight, including the use of Moscow's new Banderol jet-powered drones.