Russian Forces Strike Ukrainian Military Training Unit, Casualties Reported
On July 29, Russian forces launched a missile strike on a training unit of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, resulting in at least three soldiers killed and 18 others wounded, reports 24brussels.
The Ukrainian Ground Forces confirmed the attack in a post on their official Facebook page. As of 9:30 PM, all injured personnel are receiving necessary medical assistance, and emergency services are currently at the scene.
A special commission has been established, led by the chief of the Military Law Enforcement Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The military command has also initiated an internal investigation.
“If it is determined that the deaths or injuries of military personnel were a result of actions or negligence on the part of officials, those responsible will be held accountable,” stated the Ukrainian Ground Forces.
This incident follows a troubling pattern of attacks on military training facilities. On June 1, a missile struck another Ukrainian Ground Forces training unit, resulting in the deaths of 12 soldiers and injuries to over 60 others. Subsequently, the commander of the Ground Forces, Mykhailo Drapatiy, resigned due to the incident. Two days later, President Zelensky appointed him as the commander of Joint Forces.
On June 4, another missile attack targeted a training unit in the Poltava region, leading to the deaths of two soldiers from severe injuries sustained during the strike.
Moreover, on June 22, Russian forces attacked a training ground of a mechanized brigade, resulting in three military personnel killed and 11 others wounded. In response to the increasing danger, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, on July 1, prohibited the gathering of personnel and military equipment at training centers.
“New shelters, dugouts, and other protective structures are being constructed at training locations. Additional engineering solutions are being implemented to protect our soldiers who are preparing, training, and recuperating,” Syrskyi stated.
He emphasized that the establishment of shelters in training centers and ranges is mandatory, alongside timely and effective alerts for air raid warnings.
