Elite Ukrainian soldiers killed during award ceremony — The Telegraph
A Russian missile struck an award ceremony in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region on November 1, killing members of elite Ukrainian military units.
According to The Telegraph, the strike hit a site where Ukrainian troops had gathered for the event. Among the dead were drone operators and infantrymen from the 35th Separate Marine Brigade.
Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Svyatnenko said that his brother, a 43-year-old “elite drone operator” who had fought in Krynky, Kurakhove, Maryinka, and Krasnohorivka, was among those killed.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed the attack and said an investigation is underway. Preliminary reports suggest negligence in organizing the event may have contributed to the tragedy.
While the official death toll remains undisclosed, Suspilne cited witnesses saying at least eight soldiers were killed and 40 wounded, with six still missing.
“Most likely, we were betrayed. The missile hit about 15 minutes after the ceremony was supposed to start. We were standing about 100 meters away from the torches. Suddenly, an Iskander hit the spot where the ceremony was to be held. We heard nothing — just a massive explosion. One guy’s leg was shredded, another’s shoulders. We were lucky to be waiting off to the side. Everyone near the torches — gone,” a Ukrainian soldier told reporters anonymously