Statement from the General Staff on the Explosion in Vişneve: The Object is Not Affiliated with the Armed Forces of Ukraine

New details have emerged regarding the explosion on the night of 6 Temmuz in the city of Vişneve, near the Ukrainian capital of Kiev, which resulted in the loss of many lives. The Armed Forces of Ukraine (ZSU) General Staff officially announced that the object where the explosion occurred is not under military administration and is not affiliated with the ZSU. In a statement made by General Staff Communications Directorate officer Dmitro Lihoviy, it was emphasized that the facility in question is not under the control or responsibility of the Armed Forces. This statement aims to clear up public questions regarding the causes of the secondary explosions that occurred following an attack launched by Russia. Authorities stated that all conditions of the incident are being investigated in detail and that relevant security units are closely monitoring the situation.

The incident occurred on the night of 6 Temmuz during a massive air attack launched by Russia against Ukraine. The Buçanskı region, which includes Vişneve, was targeted by Russian missiles and drones. As a result of the attack, powerful explosions were heard in the area and a massive fire broke out in storage areas. According to initial determinations, 7 people lost their lives and 26 people sustained various injuries in the attack. Due to the severity of the explosion and the risk of possible secondary explosions, 600 civilians in the area were urgently evacuated. The scale of the disaster caused national concern due to increasing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

General Staff officials reminded that a directive previously adopted at the Supreme Command level, which prohibits the keeping of ammunition or similar military depots near civilian settlements, is still in effect. In this context, questions have arisen as to whether the explosion in Vişneve indicates a situation contrary to military orders. President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelenski requested the Security Service (SBU) and Military Intelligence (GUR) to submit a detailed report on all the circumstances of the events in Vişneve in his evening address. This investigation includes examining whether there are serious responsibilities regarding the storage of hazardous materials near civilian settlements. Zelenski's directive shows that the incident will be addressed not only through a military but also through a legal and administrative process.

The State Emergency Service (DSNS) launched a large-scale operation to mitigate the devastating effects of the Russian attack in Vişneve. Teams are working intensively to extinguish ongoing fires in the area, demolish damaged structures, and identify unexploded ordnance. Specially trained canine search teams have also been assigned to conduct investigations in the area. Aerial support was provided to extinguish the fire, with a DSNS helicopter conducting more than 30 water drops. In total, more than 200 rescuers and 55 specialized vehicles were mobilized to eliminate the consequences of the disaster.

The attack caused significant damage to the civilian infrastructure in the area. Private homes, businesses, administrative buildings, and industrial facilities sustained heavy damage. The General Staff offered its condolences to the affected civilian population for the tragedy caused by Russia's attack. This incident once again highlighted the devastating consequences that can arise when civilian areas are close to military targets. Ukrainian authorities emphasize the need to tighten existing security protocols to prevent similar tragedies. Meanwhile, the international community has condemned such attacks by Russia on civilian areas even more strongly.