The number of casualties resulting from a Russian assault on a warehouse located to the west of Kyiv, marking the deadliest incident of the conflict this year, has climbed to 38 individuals, with four persons still unaccounted for, as confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy via social media on Sunday.
The attack, which occurred on Friday night on the warehouse, identified by Ukrainian authorities as an ammunition storage site, triggered significant explosions and fires that engulfed numerous nearby residences and structures.
Efforts by emergency responders are ongoing to extinguish fires, locate, and deactivate explosive devices at the scene in the village of Myla, according to Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy reported that 20 individuals sustained injuries, including two children.
In response to the Myla assault, Zelenskyy described it as a “terrible situation” and attributed it to “terrible negligence on the part of those who stored explosives right next to people.” An investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances that led to the ammunition being stored in that location.
Russia Announces Plans for ‘Massive Strikes’ on Energy Sector
Russia’s Defence Ministry declared on Sunday its intentions to carry out “massive strikes” on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following a Ukrainian drone campaign targeting a retailer known as “Russia’s Amazon” and the nation’s oil and gas sector, which Kyiv alleges both financially supports and directly fuels Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov pledged “an appropriate response” in light of what he termed Ukraine’s “path of escalation” and its focus on Russia’s civilian economy.
Ukraine has launched lethal strikes in recent months on the establishments of Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries, citing the sale of dual-use items that have reportedly aided the Kremlin’s military operations. Ukrainian drones have also targeted Russian oil refineries and other energy facilities, leading to an unprecedented fuel shortage in a country recognized as one of the world’s primary energy producers.
New Ukrainian Defence Chief Aims to Bridge Funding Gap
Yevhen Khmara, Ukraine’s newly appointed defence minister, outlined strategies to address the multibillion-dollar funding shortfall inherited from his predecessor, including seeking increased contributions from allies.
Khmara’s comments were made during his initial briefing with journalists since assuming the position on Saturday, following weeks of unrest following the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov. The transition led to a military restructuring in Kyiv and culminated in a video where Fedorov advocated for elections. Khmara’s statements were made public on Sunday.
As Kyiv’s military endeavors face mounting financial challenges, Khmara emphasized the importance of averting shortages on the battlefield while ensuring soldiers receive their dues and essential requirements are met.
Kyiv Deploys Hundreds of Drones into Russia
Furthermore, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported on Sunday that its forces had intercepted or neutralized nearly 500 Ukrainian drones launched overnight.
Independent sources on Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels alleged that the drone strikes ignited a major oil refinery in Kirishi, situated southeast of St Petersburg. The facility, Kirishi Petroleum Organic Synthesis, represents one of Russia’s principal oil refineries and the sole one in the northwest region of the country.
While official confirmation is pending, Alexander Drozdenko, the local governor, disclosed that a fire erupted “in Kirishi’s industrial zone” subsequent to the drone attacks. He confirmed that a total of 62 drones were downed in the surrounding area.
In Russia, Ukrainian drone assaults resulted in injuries to at least four individuals on the same day in the border regions of Kursk and Belgorod,
