Ukrainian military training base hit by Iskander-M missile, killing 180 people

The Kyiv Post reported on March 3 that the Ukrainian Army Command has ordered an independent investigation by the military counterintelligence agency, warning: “Any individuals responsible – whether for actions or omissions – will be held accountable.”

Russian forces launched a missile attack on a Ukrainian military training base that reportedly killed 150 Ukrainian soldiers and 30 foreign trainers, prompting Ukrainian counterintelligence officials to launch a large-scale investigation, The Kyiv Post reported.

In a statement on Telegram on March 3, the commander of the Ukrainian Army, Mykhailo Drapatiy, described the consequences of the attack as “horrific.”

Initial media reports circulated about a Russian missile attack on the Novomoskovsk training ground in the Dnipropetrovsk region on March 1, where troops from the 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade were said to be present.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced that it used the Iskander-M missile system to target the site, and asserted: “As a result of the attack, up to 150 Ukrainian servicemen and about 30 foreign instructors were killed.”

However, Ukrainian military officials did not immediately confirm the attack or provide details about casualties.

It was not until March 3 that Mr. Drapatiy acknowledged the attack, emphasizing the need for a prompt investigation, thorough analysis, accountability and updated security standards.

“War requires quick decisions, accountability, and new standards of security – otherwise we will lose more than we gain,” Mr. Drapatiy wrote.

Although he did not disclose the exact location of the attack or the number of casualties, Mr. Drapatiy said an investigation was underway and he would personally oversee every step of the process.

“I waited for initial data to avoid speculation, but now I must warn: all those responsible – whether by action or negligence – will be held accountable,” and “No one can escape with explanations or formal reports,” Mr. Drapatiy stressed.

According to Mr. Drapatiy, an independent investigation has been launched with the participation of military counterintelligence to ensure that no details are overlooked and those responsible will face consequences.

“I will ask for the most severe disciplinary action,” Mr. Drapatiy stressed.

According to Mr. Drapatiy, “those who perform their duties carelessly and bureaucratically during wartime, those who make things difficult for the military with outdated procedures that compromise safety, and those who seek power not on the battlefield but by mistreating their subordinates – all of them dishonor the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).”

The Ukrainian Army confirmed the attack in an official statement, saying that on March 1, one of the units of the Ukrainian Army was the target of a missile attack and unfortunately there were casualties.

The Ukrainian Army's statement also warned that the Russian Federation is not only conducting missile attacks but also using information and psychological warfare.