KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - A recent Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian army training ground has resulted in the deaths of three soldiers and injuries to 18 others, raising concerns about the military's capability amidst a significant personnel shortfall during the prolonged war that has now lasted over three and a half years. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the attack targeted Ukraine’s 169th training center located near Honcharivske in the Chernihiv region, using two Iskander missiles—one containing multiple submunitions and the other comprising high explosives. The Russian claims suggest that approximately 200 Ukrainian troops were either killed or wounded in the assault.
In addition to targeting military facilities, Russia has intensified its aerial campaign against civilian areas, launching 78 attack drones overnight, including eight newly developed jet-powered drones. This aggressive tactic has resulted in at least five civilian injuries, further compounding the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
According to the U.N. mission in Ukraine, there is a noticeable rise in civilian casualties from Russian attacks, with 6,754 civilians reported killed or injured in the first half of 2025, marking a staggering 54% increase from the same period in 2024. Since the escalation of conflict on February 24, 2022, at least 13,580 Ukrainian civilians have lost their lives, including 716 children, according to U.N. statistics.
In a bid to alleviate the crisis, U.S. President Donald Trump has outlined a deadline of August 8 for Russian President Vladimir Putin to make progress in peace negotiations, threatening punitive sanctions and tariffs if there are no advancements. Western leaders have criticized Putin for delaying U.S.-led peace efforts, allegedly seeking to expand Russian territory in Ukraine further.
Ukrainian military forces are largely holding their ground against Russia's larger army, yet recent claims from the Russian Defense Ministry highlight minor advancements along the extensive 1,000-kilometer front line. However, Ukrainian officials insist that the casualty report from the Chernihiv attack diverges significantly from the figures put forth by Moscow.
A video released by the Russian Defense Ministry depicts multiple explosions from the missile strike, showcasing the devastation caused by the shrapnel warhead followed by a larger explosion from the high-explosive weapon. This incident marks the fourth deadly strike within five months targeting Ukrainian military installations, with the previous attacks claiming at least 46 soldier lives and injuring over 160.
As Ukraine grapples with its troop shortages, the nation has acknowledged the urgent need to bolster its military ranks. While over 1 million Ukrainians are currently enlisted, including those in the National Guard and other units, the military is in dire need of reinforcements. Chronic issues such as a flawed mobilization process and instances of soldiers going AWOL have compounded the difficulties faced by Ukrainian forces.
In response to the situation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently approved a bill allowing men over the age of 60 to voluntarily contract with the armed forces. This legislation aims to utilize their experiences and skills, especially in non-combat or specialized roles, to assist the military in its efforts. Furthermore, Ukraine's Defense Ministry has initiated new benefits designed to attract young men between the ages of 18 and 24 to military service, targeting individuals who are currently exempt from the draft.
Despite lowering the conscription age from 27 to 25, Ukraine has struggled to effectively replace battlefield losses, indicating a persistent challenge in recruitment and mobilization during this ongoing conflict.
