Russia launched a wave of deadly strikes across Ukraine on Friday, killing at least 15 people in attacks that targeted both the Kyiv region and the eastern city of Sloviansk.
The deadliest incident occurred when ballistic missiles struck an exhibition featuring military drone technology, while Ukrainian officials later warned that intelligence suggested another major Russian missile assault could be imminent.
Missile Attack Devastates Kyiv Region Exhibition
According to Ukrainian authorities, 10 people were killed after ballistic missiles slammed into a defence-related exhibition near Kyiv that was showcasing drone technology.
The event had attracted key figures from Ukraine’s defence industry, and nearly 100 others were reported injured.
President Volodymyr Zelensky described the strike as a deliberate attack on an event involving representatives of Ukraine’s defence sector.
He later revealed that security agencies had received intelligence indicating Russia could launch another large-scale missile barrage either later on Friday or within the next two days.
Eastern Ukraine Also Hit by Deadly Bombing
Away from the capital, Russian glide bombs struck the eastern city of Sloviansk, killing five people.
The attack added to a day of heavy bombardment across multiple regions as Moscow intensified its aerial campaign.
The combined death toll from the strikes reached at least 15, with emergency crews continuing rescue operations and assessing the extent of the destruction.
Ukraine Questions Security Around Public Defence Event
Immediately after the Kyiv-region strike, concerns emerged over the safety of several well-known figures in Ukraine’s military technology community, including Defence Ministry adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov, widely known as “Flash,” and technology specialist Lyuba Shypovych.
Both later confirmed through social media that they had survived unharmed.
Beskrestnov disclosed that he had decided not to attend the exhibition because he believed there were security risks associated with the event.
The attack has reignited criticism over why such a high-profile gathering was held in a publicly known location.
Reports indicated the exhibition had been widely promoted beforehand, prompting questions over whether adequate precautions had been taken.
Investigation Launched Into Event Planning
President Zelensky ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the exhibition, while Ukraine’s prosecutor general announced efforts to determine who authorised the event and whether appropriate safety measures had been implemented.
It marks at least the third occasion since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022 that an exhibition focused on military technology has been targeted.
Russia Defends Strike as Military Operation
Russia acknowledged carrying out the missile attack, saying its armed forces had used precision long-range weapons against what it described as a legitimate military target.
The Russian Defence Ministry claimed the exhibition was demonstrating drones intended for attacks against civilian sites inside Russia.
It further alleged that drone manufacturers, members of Ukraine’s drone forces and security agencies involved in planning strikes on Russian territory were attending the event.
Ukraine’s air force said Russia fired three ballistic missiles during the assault, with air defence systems intercepting only one.
Ukraine Responds With Long-Range Strikes Inside Russia
The attacks came after Ukraine conducted its own long-range operations inside Russian territory overnight.
Officials in Russia reported that six people were killed and another 26 wounded following a Ukrainian strike on the city of Kirov, located more than 1,000 kilometres from the front lines.
Zelensky said Ukrainian forces had successfully struck what he described as one of Russia’s key military-industrial facilities, claiming the factory produced components used in aircraft and missile systems employed against Ukraine.
Wildberries Warehouses Become New Target
Ukraine also targeted warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, in the St. Petersburg region.
The attacks are part of Kyiv’s evolving strategy to disrupt Russian military logistics.
Ukrainian officials argue that logistics hubs can facilitate the purchase and movement of equipment eventually used by Russia’s armed forces.
The repeated strikes have also affected thousands of small and medium-sized businesses that rely on Wildberries for distribution and commerce, increasing economic pressure inside Russia.
Zelensky Set for US Visit Amid Peace Push
As fighting continues, Zelensky is expected to travel to the United States next week for talks with President Donald Trump.
The meeting is expected to focus on renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Trump ally Laura Loomer, who interviewed Zelensky in Kyiv on Friday, said the Ukrainian leader also intends to attend the funeral of US Senator Lindsey Graham during his visit.
Romanian Fighter Downs Russian Drone
Separately, tensions spread beyond Ukraine’s borders after Romanian President Nicușor Dan announced that a Romanian F-16 fighter jet had shot down a Russian drone that entered Romanian airspace.
Romanian authorities had earlier issued public alerts across several eastern and south-eastern regions as the drone activity unfolded, highlighting growing concerns about the conflict spilling into neighbouring NATO territory.
