### Russian Missile Strike on Ukrainian Base Kills 12 Soldiers and Injures Over 60

In a devastating incident, a Russian missile targeted a Ukrainian military training base in the Dnipro region, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 soldiers and injuring more than 60 others, as reported by the Ukrainian military. This rare acknowledgment of casualties by Ukraine's military underscores the severity of the attack.

Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, the commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces, has tendered his resignation following the attack, expressing a "personal sense of responsibility for the tragedy." His resignation marks a significant moment for Ukraine's military leadership, reflecting the gravity of the losses suffered.

A spokesperson for Ukraine's Ground Forces, Vitalii Sarantsev, emphasized that there was no mass gathering at the base when the missile struck. He stated that all personnel were in shelters as soon as the air raid alert was issued, though some might not have reached safety in time. This explanation appears to be aimed at demonstrating that the military has learned from previous incidents where large gatherings at military sites made them vulnerable to attacks.

Ukraine's military typically treats casualty figures as state secrets due to their sensitive nature. Previous attacks, such as a missile strike during an awards ceremony in southern Ukraine in late 2023, have raised serious questions about security measures and protocols.

The attack occurred just before another round of peace talks in Istanbul, proposed by Moscow. While Ukraine had initially demanded to see a memorandum outlining Russia's cease-fire terms before participating, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv would indeed send a delegation to the talks. This development highlights the ongoing complexities and the fragile state of peace negotiations between the two nations.