A Russian airstrike on a weapons depot near Kyiv has triggered a mass evacuation, leaving at least 37 civilians dead and forcing almost 400 residents to flee their homes.

The attack, which slammed a tall warehouse into the heart of a residential neighbourhood, was captured on video and has since gone viral. Thick plumes of black smoke rose as the building collapsed, and the footage has been shared across social media, leaving witnesses in stunned silence.

The depot stored munitions earmarked for Ukraine’s armed forces, and the destruction of such a site so close to civilians has raised grave concerns about safety protocols. President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the incident “terrible negligence on the part of those who stored explosives right next to people” and promised an investigation to prevent future tragedies.

In the metaverse, attendees can explore a reconstructed version of the warehouse site, witness the impact through immersive visualisation, and participate in a live Q&A with journalist Dan Johnson reporting for Ukraine. The interactive environment allows reporters to stitch together real‑world footage with virtual reconstruction, offering a deeper understanding of how the strike unfolded.

The incident serves as a stark reminder that the lines between front‑line and civilian spaces are increasingly blurred in the ongoing conflict. Both local residents and international observers are calling for stricter safeguards and clearer communication between military and civilian authorities.

Explosion at Kyiv warehouse