SBU unit chief suspected over Mila warehouse blast that killed 35

Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) has notified the head of a support subdivision of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) of suspicion in connection with an artillery ammunition depot near Kyiv, in the village of Mila, for which he was responsible.

Depot set up in a former vegetable store

Investigators found that when deciding to place the depot in the premises of a former vegetable storage facility, the official failed to take all necessary safety-control measures for storing explosives and ammunition. The depot was also illegally located close to residential buildings.

The premises did not meet the requirements for weapons storage facilities, and its placement had not been coordinated with the relevant law enforcement bodies or air defense units. The official also failed to take steps to minimize the risk of the enemy destroying a large quantity of ammunition in a single strike.

The strike and its aftermath

On August 28, Russian drones struck the depot, triggering detonation of the ammunition and a fire that spread to neighboring buildings. The explosions killed 35 people.

The blast also damaged 191 private houses, 14 apartment buildings, a police station, garages, a restaurant, a retirement home, a shop and a logistics center, along with 24 vehicles, including a police service car and a fire truck.

Charges and court ruling

The official has been notified of suspicion of negligence by military authority committed under martial law (Article 426, Part 4 of Ukraine's Criminal Code). According to the DBR, Kyiv's Pecherskyi District Court has ordered his arrest with the option of release on bail. The charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.