A Russian attack on an ammunition facility in Myla, west of Kyiv, has killed 38 people and left four missing.. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has linked the high casualty count to the negligent storage of explosives near civilian homes.
The 38 deaths in Myla and the cost of negligence
The strike on the village of Myla represents the deadliest attack of the current year, resulting in 38 confirmed fatalities and 20 injuries, including two children. According to the report, the target was an ammunition storage facility, but the resulting explosions devastated dozens of nearby residential buildings.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the event as a "terrible situation," but he did not place the blame solely on the attacker. He specifically cited "terrible negligence" by those responsible for storing explosives in close proximity to civilian populations,noting that an official investigation into the storage practices is now underway.
Russia's retaliation for Wildberries and Ozon drone strikes
The escalation in Kyiv is part of a broader economic war, with the Russian Defence Ministry threatening "massive strikes" against Ukraine's energy infrastructure. As reported in the source, Moscow views these planned attacks as a direct response to Ukrainian drone campaigns targeting the Russian oil and gas sector and major online retailers such as Wildberries and Ozon.
Ukraine has justified targeting Wildberries—Russia's largest online retailer—by claiming the company sells dual-use goods that support the Russian war effort. This strategy of hitting civilian-facing economic targets has already contributed to an unprecedented fuel crisis witthin Russia, one of the world's largest energy producers, as Ukrainian drones continue to pound refineries.
Yevhen Khmara's $27 billion funding gap
Amidst these strikes, Ukraine is undergoing a leadership shift in its defense procurement. New Defence Minister Yevhen Khmara, a former special forces officer,has inherited a US$27 billion funding gap from his predecessor, Mykhailo Fedorov. Khmara's primary objective is to prevent battlefield shortages and ensure soldiers receive their pay despite mounting financial pressures.
To bridge this deficit, the Ukrainian ministry is exploring several financial avenues. According to the report, Yevhen Khmara is considering accelerating a 90 billion euro (US$104 billion) European loan originally scheduled for next year, while simultaneously seeking additional contributions from international allies to secure specific defense needs.
The failure to intercept ballistic missiles over Kyiv
The nature of the air campaign is shifting, with Russia increasingly utilizing daytime attacks on the capital—a tactic that was previously rare. This shift has placed immense pressure on Ukraine's air defenses, which, according to a separate analysis cited in the source, failed to intercept any of the ballistic missiles fired in the most recent wave of attacks.
Retired major-general Scott Clancy suggests that Ukraine is currently locked in a war of attrition. While Western allies have provided enough equipment to prevent a collapse, Clancy argues that Ukraine still lacks the long-range capabilities and the volume of air defense systems necessary to secure a definitive victory as Russia ramps up its own missile production.
The Kirishi refinery fire and the northwest front
Ukraine continues to push its drone capabilities deep into Russian territory, with unconfirmed reports indicating a fire at the Kirishi Petroleum Organic Synthesis facility. This site is critical as it is the only major refinery in Russia's northwest region. Local Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed a fire in the industrial zone and claimed 62 drones were shot down in the surrounding area.
However, several critical details remain unverified. While Telegram reports suggest a major hit on the Kirishi refinery, Russian authorities have not officially confirmed the extent of the damage or if the facility's operations have been compromised. Furthermore, it remains unclear exactly how Yevhen Khmara intends to fill the $27 billion gap if the European loan acceleration is delayed or reduced.
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