Russian forces launched a coordinated strike against a Ukrainian Army training facility on September 24, deploying two Iskander ballistic missiles in the attack. The Ukrainian military confirmed casualties among personnel despite reinforced shelters at the site, though exact figures were not released.
The location of the strike was not officially disclosed. However, monitoring channels suggest the likely target was the Desna training center in Chernihiv region, a major facility that has previously been struck multiple times during the ongoing conflict.
This attack underscores a troubling trend: Russian strikes on Ukrainian training facilities far from the front lines. The Ukrainian Ground Forces stressed that additional protective measures are being rolled out across training grounds, ranges, and other infrastructure.
Reinforced shelters and hardened defensive positions are being expanded in an effort to reduce risks from recurring missile and drone assaults.
The Desna center, one of Ukraine’s largest training bases, has endured devastating attacks in past years. In May 2022, an airstrike killed 87 troops in one of the deadliest single incidents of the war.
More recently, in July 2025, two Iskander missiles hit a unit in Chernihiv, killing three and wounding 18. Another nighttime strike in August 2025 also caused casualties in the region.
On the same night as the September 24 missile strike, Kharkiv came under a large-scale drone assault. Russian forces launched 18 drones, with at least one hitting an energy infrastructure site.
The attack triggered widespread power outages across several districts, disrupting electric transport networks and affecting civilian life. Ukrainian air defenses reported shooting down most of the drones but acknowledged damage from the successful strikes.
Beyond the direct attacks, Russian logistical activity in September has drawn attention. Between September 1 and 17, more than 1,300 tons of ammunition were transported to Belarus via military trains.
The transfers coincided with “Zapad-2025,” joint Russian-Belarusian exercises, though Ukrainian intelligence noted the shipments were not formally tied to the drills. The buildup nonetheless raised concerns over potential future offensives or sustained pressure on Ukraine’s northern defenses.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly called for stronger international support to bolster air defenses, particularly systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles such as the Iskander. While Western-supplied air defense platforms have improved Ukraine’s protective capabilities, the vulnerability of rear-area facilities remains evident.
The repeated targeting of Desna and other training facilities reflects Russia’s effort to weaken Ukraine’s ability to prepare and rotate forces. For Kyiv, the strikes highlight the urgency of fortifying training grounds and dispersing personnel to minimize casualties.
As the conflict stretches into its third year, Ukraine continues to adapt to the evolving threat landscape. The September 24 strike, combined with the drone barrage on Kharkiv, reinforces the reality that no area is entirely secure from Russia’s long-range arsenal.
The Ukrainian military maintains that resilience and rapid adaptation remain central to sustaining its defense. However, the cost of defending both the front line and rear-area infrastructure is rising with each successive strike.