Conflict & Security
Russian strike on arms show near Kyiv kills at least 10, officials say
A Russian strike on an arms show near Kyiv on Friday killed at least 10 people and wounded about 100, Ukrainian officials said, prompting questions in Ukraine about why the event was held during wartime.
Ukraine's prosecutor general, Ruslan Kravchenko, announced a criminal inquiry into who decided to hold the event and whether the risks had been properly assessed under martial law.
A reporter at the scene saw at least five bodies covered in black sheets near the shooting range that hosted the event. Promotional tents were still standing in the courtyard, with drones displayed under them, while a screen continued to play a weapons company promotional video. A dead man was lying behind a vehicle with blood on his face as people gathered around him.
Russia said it had struck an arms exposition showing Ukrainian and foreign-made unmanned aerial vehicles. It said some of the drones on display were models used to hit civilian targets inside Russian territory.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his daily address that Russia used a ballistic missile. He said the arms event should not have been held there, adding that arms exhibitions with large crowds, especially near residential buildings, were not acceptable in wartime conditions.
The strike drew criticism from parts of Ukraine's defence industry and from officials. Presidential adviser Sergiy Beskrestnov criticised organisers of events that do not provide shelters and advertise themselves on social media. Andriy Grytseniuk, head of the state-backed defence group Brave1, urged people involved in the defence industry to urgently review and strengthen safety protocols.
Local official Alla Lakhmaniuk said the municipality had not given permission for the event and criticised the decision to hold it next to residential housing. Homes beside the shooting range were in ruins, with debris and burned apples from a destroyed tree scattered on the ground. Resident Natalia Perevalova's roof was badly damaged and her windows were blown out, but she said her grandchildren were not at home at the time.
Update
Russia said it struck an arms exposition displaying Ukrainian and foreign-made unmanned aerial vehicles.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia used a ballistic missile and said the event should not have been held there.
Ukraine's prosecutor general announced a criminal inquiry into who approved the event and whether risks were properly assessed under martial law.
Officials and defence industry figures criticised the organisation of the event and called for stronger safety protocols.
A local official said the municipality had not given permission for the event.
The source includes scene details about bodies, promotional tents, drones on display, damaged homes and residents near the shooting range.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 July 2026 at 19:47:53 UTC.
Update
Ukrainian officials said at least 10 people were killed and about 100 wounded.
Ukraine's prosecutor general Ruslan Kravchenko announced a criminal inquiry into who decided to hold the event and whether risks were assessed under martial law.
An AFP reporter saw at least five bodies near the shooting range that hosted the event.
The event site included promotional tents, drones on display, and a weapon company promotional video still playing.
Some Ukrainian defence industry figures and officials criticised the event's organisation and called for stronger safety protocols.
Local official Alla Lakhmaniuk said the municipality had not given permission for the event and criticised holding it next to housing.
Nearby homes were damaged or destroyed.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 July 2026 at 17:03:06 UTC.
Update
Russia confirmed that it struck the defence industry event near Kyiv.
Russia's defence ministry said the event was showing Ukrainian and foreign-made drones, including future models.
Russia's defence ministry claimed the drones shown at the event were used to strike civilian targets inside Russian territory.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 July 2026 at 15:17:53 UTC.
Update
Ukraine's prosecutor general reported at least 10 people dead and around 100 wounded.
Ukrainian officials and defence industry representatives said the strike hit an arms event near Kyiv.
Prosecutor general Ruslan Kravchenko announced a criminal inquiry into who decided to hold the event and whether risks were properly assessed under martial law.
Andriy Grytseniuk of the state-backed defence group Brave1 said the strike hit an event organised by a private association of manufacturers.
Ukrainian media reported that the event had been advertised online in advance.
The source says the attack prompted backlash from people in the industry and officials who implied the event had been poorly organised.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 July 2026 at 13:19:28 UTC.
Update
Zelensky said a rescue operation was underway in the Kyiv region after the missile strike.
Zelensky said dozens of people had been reported injured as of his statement.
The source described the strike as the latest in a series of deadly strikes by both Russia and Ukraine over the past 24 hours.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 July 2026 at 11:23:16 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The criminal inquiry is to establish who approved the event and whether the risks were properly assessed.
Source
AFP news report published on .