At least 15 people have lost their lives following a fresh wave of Russian attacks across Ukraine, including 10 fatalities from ballistic missile strikes on a drone technology exhibition near Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said nearly 100 people were wounded in the daytime bombardment, which targeted an event attended by senior figures from Ukraine’s defence and technology sectors.
In a separate assault, Russian glide bombs struck the eastern city of Sloviansk, leaving five civilians dead.
Later on Friday, Zelensky disclosed that intelligence reports indicated Moscow could launch another large-scale missile offensive either later that day or within the next 48 hours.
At the same time, Ukraine carried out overnight strikes deep inside Russian territory.
Authorities reported six deaths and 26 injuries in the city of Kirov, located more than 1,000 kilometres from the battlefield.
Ukrainian forces also attacked storage facilities belonging to Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retail company.
Following the strike near Kyiv, concern emerged over the safety of Defence Ministry adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov, widely known as Flash, and military technology developer Lyuba Shypovych, who were believed to be linked to the exhibition.
Both later reassured the public through social media that they were unharmed. Beskrestnov revealed he had deliberately stayed away from the event because of security concerns.
Ukraine’s Air Force spokesperson, Yuri Ihnat, said Russia launched three ballistic missiles during the attack, with air defence systems intercepting only one.
Moscow acknowledged carrying out the strike, stating that precision long-range weapons had targeted a venue where drones intended for operations against Russian civilian infrastructure were being showcased.
Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed the gathering included drone manufacturers, members of Ukraine’s unmanned forces and security personnel allegedly involved in organising attacks inside Russian territory.
The latest incident marks at least the third occasion since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022 that a defence technology exhibition in Ukraine has been targeted.
The attack has triggered widespread criticism over the decision to organise and publicly promote such an event despite ongoing security risks.
President Zelensky announced that authorities had launched an investigation into the incident.
Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office is also examining who authorised the exhibition and whether adequate security arrangements had been implemented.
The missile strike followed Ukrainian attacks earlier in the day on what Kyiv described as a major military-industrial facility in Kirov that manufactures components used in Russian aircraft and missile systems.
Ukraine also struck at least two Wildberries warehouse complexes near St. Petersburg, continuing a series of operations against the retailer over the past week.
Kyiv says it has shifted its strategy from targeting oil infrastructure to disrupting logistics centres, arguing that such facilities help supply equipment to Russian forces.
The repeated attacks have affected numerous small and medium-sized businesses operating through the retail network.
Meanwhile, President Zelensky is expected to travel to the United States next week for talks with President Donald Trump as Washington seeks to revive negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Trump ally Laura Loomer, who is currently visiting Kyiv, said after interviewing Zelensky that the Ukrainian leader also plans to attend the funeral of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham during his visit.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong