A daytime Russian ballistic missile strike hit a drone technology exhibition at a training ground near Kyiv on Friday, killing at least 10 people and injuring nearly 100. The attack, part of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, occurred just hours after Ukrainian forces targeted Russian logistics hubs, including military gear warehouses and oil sites located 1,350 kilometers away.
Ukrainian air force spokesman Yuri Ihnat stated that Russia launched three ballistic missiles at the venue. Defense systems managed to intercept only one of the incoming projectiles.
Defense Ministry adviser Serhiy “Flash” Beskrestnov and tech developer Lyuba Shypovych, both anticipated at the event, confirmed their safety online. Beskrestnov noted he actively avoided the gathering due to identified security risks.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced an immediate investigation into the incident, while the Associated Press verified the rising casualty count and emergency response operations.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko launched a formal inquiry into the logistics of the gathering. His office opened two criminal proceedings, a move documented by Ukrainska Pravda, to investigate potential war crimes and review who authorized a public military event during active wartime.
This is the third time since 2022 that Russia has targeted a defense exhibition.
In August 2023, a similar strike hit a drone event held at a theater in Chernihiv. That attack killed seven people and injured over 140.