President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russian strike on a site in the village of Mila, in the Bucha district, caused a massive explosion of ammunition. According to him, there should certainly not have been any Defence Forces ammunition storage facilities there. At least 37 people were killed as a result of the attack and subsequent explosions; the President expects the details of the investigation to be made public promptly.
Briefly about the main points
- A massive explosion occurred in Mila following the Russian strike.
- At least 37 people have died.
- Zelenskyy described the storage of explosives near people as negligence.
- 381 people were evacuated from the danger zone.
- Investigators are looking into the Russian Federation’s attack and possible professional negligence.
The rescue operation and the aftermath of the attack
The incident took place on the evening of 28 August. According to preliminary findings from the investigation, at around 8.10 pm, a fall was recorded on the company’s premises, or drone strike of an unidentified type, following which a fire and explosions broke out.
The Kyiv Regional State Administration had previously reported that 42 people were injured, including four children; seven people were hospitalised. A total of 381 people, including 59 children, were evacuated from the danger zone. Work at the site continued, and 30 August was declared a day of mourning in the Kyiv region.
The President spoke of the stockpiles that should not have been in the vicinity of people
Zelenskyy said that The first strike hit a Defence Forces ammunition depot. Shells, mines, other munitions and drones detonated there. The President described the scale of the explosion as significant, and the storage of explosives near people as «appalling negligence».
He said he had discussed the situation with the Prosecutor General, the Ministry of the Interior, the Security Service of Ukraine and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; according to him, all the necessary resources for the investigation are in place. Proceedings have been initiated on the grounds of waging an aggressive war and possible dereliction of duty — investigators are to establish the circumstances of the attack and the factors that may have exacerbated its consequences.
The President also referred to the tragedy in Vyshneve. Following that incident, the General Staff reiterated the ban on locating ammunition depots and similar facilities near civilian buildings and areas where people gather. Whether there were any breaches in Mila is a matter for the investigation to determine.
