Zelenskiy Confirms Russian Strike Hit Ammunition Depot Near Kyiv, Criminal Probe Launched

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed on Thursday that a Russian missile strike earlier this week hit an ammunition warehouse in the Kyiv region, triggering powerful secondary explosions that killed 10 people and caused widespread destruction.

The attack occurred on July 6 in the town of Vyshneve, located on the western outskirts of Kyiv. According to Ukrainian officials, the strike destroyed the ammunition storage facility, damaged hundreds of homes, and left at least 10 people dead.

Speaking to reporters through a WhatsApp media briefing, Zelenskiy described the incident as "absolutely appalling," acknowledging that the targeted site was an ammunition depot. He said the Russian attack on the warehouse resulted in significant casualties and extensive losses.

Ukrainian authorities have rarely disclosed damage to military facilities caused by Russian attacks, making Zelenskiy’s public confirmation unusual. The president also announced that a criminal investigation has been launched to determine accountability for the incident.

Zelenskiy said officials connected to Ukroboronprom, Ukraine’s state-owned defense manufacturer that owned the warehouse, would face consequences. He stated that those found responsible would be dismissed as part of efforts to address potential negligence surrounding the storage facility.

The explosion sparked outrage among local residents, many of whom accused authorities of failing to properly secure the ammunition depot or provide adequate information about the risks posed by its location. Residents also questioned whether safety measures had been followed before the attack.

The incident comes as Russia continues to intensify strikes across Ukraine, with attacks increasingly targeting infrastructure and military-related facilities. The latest developments highlight the growing challenges facing Ukrainian authorities as they seek to strengthen security while addressing public concerns over the handling of sensitive military assets during the ongoing war.