Russian missile strike kills six Ukrainian servicemen during training in Sumy region, Kyiv

The National Guard of Ukraine has confirmed that a Russian missile strike hit a Ukrainian military unit in the northern Sumy region, killing six servicemen and injuring more than ten others.

The attack occurred on Tuesday, during a scheduled training exercise at a shooting range, the command said in a statement released on Wednesday morning. The specific unit affected has not been publicly identified.

An investigation has been launched into possible violations of operational protocols concerning air raid alerts and personnel safety. The commander of the military unit has been dismissed pending the outcome.

In a statement posted on the night of the strike, Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed responsibility, saying its forces launched an Iskander missile targeting what it described as a training site of Ukraine’s 1st Special Forces Brigade in the Shostka district of Sumy region.

The Russian side alleged that up to 70 Ukrainian personnel - including 20 instructors - were killed in the strike, and claimed to have destroyed an ammunition depot and ten pieces of military equipment.