Russian Missile Strike Kills 6 Ukrainian Soldiers During Training in Sumy

A Russian missile hit a Ukrainian National Guard training exercise near the Russian border, killing six servicemen and injuring more than ten others.

The deadly strike took place at a military training range in the far north of Sumy, according to a statement released by Ukraine’s National Guard.

Russia Claims High Death Toll, Shares Video

Russia’s defence ministry released a video claiming to show the moment of the missile strike. It was reportedly an Iskander missile, aimed at what they said was a training camp.

Russian state news agency Tass said up to 70 people may have died, but this number has not been confirmed by Ukraine.

Footage shows a large group of soldiers walking near trees, followed by a powerful explosion. Smoke rose high into the sky after the blast.

Ukraine Confirms Attack, Starts Investigation

Ukraine’s National Guard confirmed the attack happened during live-fire training exercises.
They have launched an official investigation, and the unit commander has been suspended while the incident is reviewed.

Military officials said there had been clear procedures in place to avoid such deadly gatherings in one place due to the threat of airstrikes.

Kursk Region Visit by Putin

On the same day as the strike, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Kursk, the region just across the border. He met with officials and toured a nuclear power plant, according to state media.

This was his first visit to Kursk since Ukrainian forces withdrew from their earlier offensive there.

Ukraine’s Operation in Kursk and Ongoing Tensions

Ukraine had earlier launched a military operation into Russia’s Kursk region to create a buffer zone for Sumy’s protection. Ukraine says this helped prevent Russia from building a “security zone” of its own.

Ukrainian forces claim the move forced Russia to send elite troops to the area, weakening other fronts. However, some Ukrainian soldiers have raised concerns about poor decisions by top commanders and unnecessary losses.

No Sign of Peace Talks Progress

Despite a meeting in Istanbul between low-level officials last week, no ceasefire is expected soon.

Former US President Donald Trump suggested that the Vatican might help mediate peace, but Vatican officials said the idea is still just a hope, not a plan.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he’s waiting for Russia to propose terms for peace, but Ukraine’s President Zelensky believes Russia is simply trying to stall for time while continuing its war.