Kyiv: Ukrainian Land Forces Commander Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi has resigned following a devastating Russian missile strike on the 239th Ukrainian military training ground, which killed 12 soldiers and injured 60 others. The strike, confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defence, has sparked military and political aftershocks as both Kyiv and Moscow face growing international scrutiny.
General Drapatyi Steps Down: “They Were Supposed to Study, Not Die”
In an emotional Facebook post, Drapatyi took full responsibility for the tragedy and expressed sorrow for the loss of young soldiers under his command:
“These are young guys from a training battalion… They were supposed to study, live, fight – not die.”
Drapatyi, who had led Ukraine’s land forces since November 2024, tendered his resignation on Sunday, acknowledging the grave consequences of the intelligence and security failure that allowed the missile to strike the tent camp.
Zelenskyi Responds: Command Review Underway
President Volodymyr Zelenskyi vowed accountability and launched a command-level review of the incident. He plans to summon top military officials, including Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, once Defence Minister Rustem Umerov returns from peace talks in Turkey.
“Every life must be preserved,” Zelenskyi said, promising that “all necessary decisions” to prevent similar incidents would be taken swiftly.
Moscow Confirms Strike Amid Drone Escalations
The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed its responsibility for the missile strike on the Dniepropetrovsk region, calling it a targeted operation in response to alleged Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian airfields.
According to the Ministry:
- FPV drones targeted airbases in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur.
- Fires broke out in Murmansk and Irkutsk, damaging several aircraft.
- No military or civilian casualties were reported.
- Suspects linked to the attacks have been detained.
Diplomacy in Focus: Istanbul Peace Talks Resume
Amid rising tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held preliminary talks ahead of the second round of Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations set for Monday in Istanbul.
Ukrainian negotiators are expected to present new proposals aimed at halting hostilities, even as both sides ramp up drone strikes — marking one of the most active aerial phases of the war in nearly three years.
Outlook: Military and Political Crossroads
The resignation of Drapatyi and the deadly strike serve as a grim reminder of the high cost of war, even far from the frontlines. As the conflict escalates on the battlefield and in the air, all eyes now turn to Istanbul, where fragile hopes of diplomacy are once again being tested.
The next 72 hours may be crucial for determining whether the deadly cycle of retaliation continues — or if real progress toward ceasefire and resolution is finally possible.