A devastating wave of violence swept across Ukraine and Russia on Friday, with at least 15 people killed in Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory and Ukrainian forces striking back deep inside Russia. The deadliest incident saw 10 people killed when ballistic missiles slammed into a drone technology exhibition near Kyiv, an event attended by prominent figures from the defence sector.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said around 100 people were injured in the daytime strike on the exhibition. The attack has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions about why a public event of this nature was being held — and apparently advertised — during wartime.
Ballistic Missiles Hit Drone Exhibition Near Kyiv
Ukrainian air force spokesman Yuri Ihnat told Ukrainian television that the assault involved three ballistic missiles, of which only one was intercepted. The exhibition was showcasing drone technology and was attended by key members of Ukraine's defence industry.
Russia's Defence Ministry confirmed the strike, claiming it used high-precision long-range weaponry against a site where drones intended for targeting civilian sites in Russia were being demonstrated. Moscow alleged that drone producers, representatives of Ukraine's drone forces, and security service members involved in planning strikes on Russian territory were present at the event.
Following the attack, there were initial concerns for the safety of Defence Ministry adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov, known as Flash, and Lyuba Shypovych, who has been involved in developing technology for the Ukrainian military. Both later took to social media to confirm they were unharmed. Beskrestnov revealed he had stayed away from the event due to security concerns.
This marks at least the third time since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 that an exhibition of this kind has been targeted. President Zelensky announced that the incident was under investigation, while Ukraine's prosecutor-general said efforts were underway to determine who authorized the event and what safety measures had been put in place.
Deadly Strikes Across Ukraine
Beyond the attack near Kyiv, five people were killed in the eastern city of Sloviansk by Russian glide bombs. The attacks brought the total death toll from Russian strikes on Ukraine to at least 15.
On Friday evening, Zelensky announced he had received intelligence indicating Russia was preparing another massive missile strike that could occur imminently or within the next 48 hours, urging vigilance across the country.