At least 12 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and over 60 injured in a devastating Russian missile strike Sunday on a Ukrainian army training unit, according to Ukraine’s Ground Forces. The attack, which took place at 12:50 p.m., reportedly occurred despite no mass gatherings of personnel, underscoring the constant threat posed by Russian drones and reconnaissance deep behind the front lines.
Ukraine’s military has launched an investigation to determine if negligence or errors by Ukrainian officials contributed to the heavy casualties. “If it is established that the actions or inaction of officials led to the death or injury of servicemen, those responsible will be held strictly accountable,” the statement said.
The attack comes as Russia continues to push offensives in key areas, including Pokrovsk, Toretsk, Lyman, and the Sumy border region. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed Sunday it had taken control of the village of Oleksiivka in Sumy, forcing mandatory evacuations in 11 additional settlements.
Meanwhile, uncertainty hangs over upcoming peace talks in Istanbul, as Ukrainian diplomats demand the Kremlin release a long-promised memorandum outlining Russia’s position on ending the war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blasted Moscow for “playing with diplomacy” and urged the international community to pressure Russia for a genuine ceasefire.
The missile strike serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of the war as Ukraine continues to face a relentless Russian onslaught while grappling with manpower shortages and limited resources. With peace talks in doubt and the battlefield toll rising, Ukraine’s struggle for survival remains as precarious as ever.
