A Russian missile strike hit a Ukrainian army training facility near Desna in Chernihiv Oblast on July 29, killing at least three Ukrainian soldiers, according to Ukrainian officials. The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that the attack killed or injured up to 200 troops, though that figure has not been independently verified.

The facility targeted was reportedly being used for preparing reserve and mobilized personnel. Russia said it used Iskander short-range ballistic missiles to carry out the precision strike.

Ukrainian authorities confirmed the location and attack but disputed Russia’s casualty estimate, stating that official figures stood at 3 dead and several injured. Emergency response teams were dispatched immediately to contain fires and evacuate survivors.

This strike comes amid escalating battlefield engagements across eastern Ukraine and as diplomatic tensions grow following Donald Trump’s recent call for a ceasefire deadline directed at Moscow.

Military analysts warn that targeting training facilities is a calculated move to weaken Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities.