A Russian drone struck a warehouse storing explosive materials near Kyiv in the village of Myla, Bucha district, on August 28, causing fires and explosions that killed at least 37 people and injured between 40 and 42, including four children [1, 2, 3]. Early reports gave a death toll of 27, but Ukrainian officials updated it to 37, with some sources reporting 38 fatalities [1, 2, 3, 4]. The strike also damaged around 50 residential buildings, including a care home for the elderly and disabled [1, 2, 3].
More than 370 people have been evacuated from the area, with the evacuation ongoing as authorities continue search and rescue efforts for four people reported missing after the strike [1, 2, 3, 4]. Among those killed was Taras Didych, head of the Dmytrivka rural community, who died while helping rescue victims [1, 2, 3].
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the incident, saying criminal proceedings for official negligence had been launched related to storing ammunition near residential areas. He stated, "There are regulations in place – ammunition cannot be stored near homes or other residential areas," and added that those responsible "must be held accountable for their decisions" [1, 2]. Zelenskyy also vowed that "Russia will face a response for everything it is doing" and emphasized the need for justice for every Russian strike [4, 3]. Serhii Koretskyi, a local official, called the incident "criminal negligence" and said all guilty must be severely punished [1].
The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed the strike hit a warehouse holding components and launch boosters for long-range drones in Myla. It also reported other recent strikes on ports in Mykolaiv and Izmail and logistical targets [1, 2]. This attack is described as the deadliest Russian strike in the Kyiv region this year involving a military facility storing artillery shells, mines, and drones [4, 5].
In a related incident, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that a two-year-old girl was killed and five others injured by a Russian drone that fell in the Obolonskyi district [3]. Over the past week, nearly 2,000 Russian drones, more than 1,600 aerial bombs, and 31 missiles—including North Korean ballistic missiles—have been launched at Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials [4].
As of August 30, search teams continue to look for four missing persons from the Myla strike. The evacuation and damage assessment efforts are ongoing in the affected area [4].
