27 Dead, Dozens Injured After Russian Drone Strike Triggers Massive Warehouse Explosion Near Kyiv

At least 27 people have been killed and dozens injured after Russian drone strikes triggered a massive explosion at a warehouse near Kyiv, according to a CNN report.

The blast caused severe damage in the surrounding area and raised fresh concerns over the storage of ammunition and other hazardous material near residential neighbourhoods.

Ukrainian officials said the explosion followed Russian drone strikes on the facility. President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered an investigation to determine what happened and whether dangerous material was being stored improperly at the site.

Death Toll May Increase

Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv regional military administration, said the death toll had reached at least 27.

“Unfortunately, as of now, 27 people are known to have died,” Tkachenko said, warning that the figure was not necessarily final. He also offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

Dozens of people were wounded in the blast, while the powerful explosion caused extensive damage around the warehouse.

Zelensky Calls For Investigation

Zelensky said Russian drones struck the facility before the explosion. He did not disclose the precise location of the warehouse but said authorities would investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Ukrainian president also questioned the decision to store ammunition close to residential areas, saying such material should not be kept near homes because of the risks to civilians.

The probe is expected to examine the cause of the explosion, the materials stored at the facility and whether proper safety measures were followed.

Russia Claims Arms Depot Was Hit

Russia’s Defence Ministry gave a different account, saying its forces had struck an arms depot containing equipment used to manufacture drones.

While Moscow described the facility as an arms depot, Ukrainian authorities said Russian drone strikes hit a warehouse and caused the devastating blast.

The conflicting accounts have not been independently verified.

The deadly explosion comes amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with both sides continuing to carry out drone attacks. Ukrainian authorities have warned that the final number of casualties could rise as rescue and recovery operations continue.