Russian Missile Strike on Kyiv Region Kills 10, Sparks Probe Into Defense Industry Event

A Russian ballistic missile strike on Ukraine’s Kyiv region on Friday killed 10 people and injured nearly 100 after hitting the site of a defense industry event, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to condemn both the attack and the decision to hold the gathering during wartime.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service confirmed rescue operations had concluded at the site, located north of Kyiv. Images released by emergency responders showed rescue teams searching through collapsed buildings and debris near residential homes.

Zelenskiy blamed Russia for the deadly attack, describing it as another act of terror. At the same time, he criticized organizers for hosting a defense-related exhibition that drew large crowds close to residential areas, saying such events should never take place under current wartime conditions.

The event was organized by a drone manufacturers’ association and took place a short distance from Kyiv’s outskirts. Ukraine’s military said the venue was outside its jurisdiction but stressed that any similar event should be protected with the highest level of security.

Kyiv regional acting governor Ruslan Oliynyk declared Saturday a day of mourning following the attack.

The Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry confirmed that representatives from the country’s defense sector were present when the missile struck but said it was not responsible for organizing the event. Valerii Borovyk, founder of Ukrainian drone company First Contact, told local media the missile hit a training ground where the exhibition was being held.

Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko announced a criminal investigation into possible negligence related to the planning and management of the event.

Elsewhere, Russian attacks continued across Ukraine. In the eastern city of Sloviansk, a Russian guided bomb killed five people and wounded nine, according to regional governor Vadym Filashkin. A later evening strike injured 16 more people and damaged residential buildings.

In the northern Sumy region, a Russian drone attack killed two people, while in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, a Russian strike ignited a shopping center and injured several civilians.

Russia and Ukraine continue to deny deliberately targeting civilians in the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.