Ukrainian authorities have launched an investigation into the organization of a defence exhibition near Kyiv that was struck by a Russian ballistic missile attack, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more. The attack took place during an unusual daytime bombardment on a military training ground where the event was being held.
Ruslan Kravchenko, Ukraine’s prosecutor-general, announced that a war crimes case against Russia has been opened in connection with the strike. Additionally, a criminal investigation is underway to examine “possible improper performance of official duties” regarding the decision to hold and publicize the event amid ongoing hostilities. Kravchenko emphasized the need for “maximum professionalism, caution and awareness” in managing activities in a war zone, noting that conflict does not exempt officials from accountability.
The probe aims to clarify who authorized the exhibition, approved its location and timing, and assessed the associated security risks. It will also look into the planned protective measures for attendees.
Valeriy Borovyk, founder of the Ukrainian defence company First Contact, confirmed that some of his employees were present at the event. He described the missile strike as severe and said casualties and damage were sustained. According to attendees including defence industry officials, the targeted site was a military training ground hosting a defence expo arranged by industry participants.
Residents of Kyiv, unaccustomed to daytime strikes, sought shelter in underground metro stations and car parks as the missiles fell, diverging from Russia’s typical pattern of nighttime attacks aimed at diminishing the capital’s defences.
A statement from the Ukrainian Council of Arms Manufacturers acknowledged that the strike took place where members of the country’s defence sector were gathered, expressing regret over the fatalities and injuries. The Council urged participants to withhold sharing photos, videos or details about the event’s location to avoid compromising individuals’ safety, defence operations, or the ongoing investigation.
Although the exact location of the exhibition was not officially disclosed, an online listing by Armada, an association of unmanned systems manufacturers, described a “defence demo day & defence expo” scheduled near Kyiv on the day of the attack.
The event’s planning has drawn criticism from some observers. Serhii Sternenko, a former adviser to Ukraine’s defence ministry, criticized the decision to hold a mass military event in an area vulnerable to ballistic missile strikes, stating on social media that doing so effectively aided Russian efforts to cause casualties.
The investigation continues as Ukrainian officials seek to determine whether proper risk assessments and security precautions were in place and who bears responsibility for the decisions that led to the strike’s tragic outcome.