The enemy hits a training ground in Sumy Oblast

As a result of a Russian strike during training exercises at a military shooting range in Sumy Oblast, six Ukrainian servicemen were killed and more than ten were injured. This was reported by the press service of the National Guard of Ukraine.

“The Command of the National Guard of Ukraine had previously developed action protocols and issued all necessary orders regarding procedures during air strike threats, as well as measures to prevent safety violations and the gathering of personnel in large groups,” the statement said.

A service investigation is currently underway into the incident. The commander of the military unit has been suspended, and the relevant information has been handed over to law enforcement authorities. As part of the investigation, the actions of all individuals who made the relevant decisions will be legally assessed.

The National Guard assured that the command and law enforcement bodies “will provide a strict legal assessment of the actions of all officials based on the results of the inspection and investigation of this tragic incident.”

Lessons not learned

The Russian military targeted a Ukrainian training ground with an Iskander ballistic missile after conducting drone reconnaissance. The facility, situated just about 40 kilometers from the Russian border near Shostka, was monitored by a Russian drone that flew over the area without interference and even recorded the strike.

It’s staggering that Ukrainian forces continue to operate a training ground so close to the border—especially one that has been in place for years and was almost certainly known to Russia from the very start of the full-scale invasion. Four years into the war, and yet it seems the Ukrainian command has learned nothing.

According to information obtained by MilitaryLand, the training ground primarily belongs to and is used by the 2nd Regiment of Key Facilities Protection of the National Guard, which is based in Shostka. Given the official statement released by the National Guard, it is highly likely that the facility was being used by a National Guard unit at the time of the Russian strike.