A recent missile strike by Russian forces on a training site for the Ukrainian army has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 12 soldiers, with over 60 others injured. This incident marks a notable admission by Kyiv regarding its military casualties. While the exact location of the strike has not been disclosed, Ukrainian officials emphasized that the soldiers targeted were not engaged in a “mass gathering” at the time of the attack, with many reportedly taking shelter.
In the days leading up to this event, the Ukrainian military has been under increased scrutiny over lapses in safety protocols for training personnel. Just a month prior, a similar strike near the border resulted in the deaths of six soldiers, an incident that has drawn criticism from political opposition, labeling it a “crime” by military leadership.
The Ukrainian army issued a statement detailing the incident: “Today, on June 1, the enemy launched a missile strike on the location of one of the training units of the Ukrainian army. As of 12:50 pm (0950 GMT), 12 people are known to have been killed and more than 60 wounded.” The statement also indicated that if investigations reveal that the attack resulted from the negligence of officials, those accountable would face severe repercussions.
In parallel developments, the Russian military announced the successful capture of yet another village in the northern Sumy region of Ukraine. This escalation has heightened concerns in Kyiv about a potential renewed ground offensive, particularly as Russia claims to have taken control of several settlements in that area in recent weeks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that more than 50,000 Russian troops have amassed along the border, prompting local authorities to evacuate over 200 villages amid rising shelling activity. The unfolding situation remains critical, with both sides bracing for intensified conflict.
