Recovery of Russian Missile Debris in Kyiv
In Kyiv, explosive ordnance disposal divers from the State Emergency Service (SES) have recovered the remnants of a Russian missile from a river. This operation took place on March 16, 2026, following a massive combined attack on the night of March 14. During that earlier assault, the enemy launched 430 unmanned aerial vehicles and 68 land- and sea-based missiles. Ukrainian defenses managed to shoot down or suppress 58 of the missiles and 402 of the drones. The primary target of the March 14 attack was Kyiv and its surrounding region, where 5 people lost their lives.
Morning Attack on March 16
During a separate morning attack on the capital on March 16, the enemy launched approximately 30 drones. Some of these were equipped with advanced new control systems that allowed them to maneuver in flight, posing a greater challenge to air defenses.
"In Kyiv, explosive ordnance disposal divers retrieved the safe remnants of a Russian missile from the river's waters. The missile was used by the enemy days ago to attack the capital. Hidden beneath the water, such debris is a trap for anyone who, despite warnings, tempts fate by diving into the reservoir," stated Ukraine's State Emergency Service.
Citizens are advised to report any explosive objects they encounter by calling 101 or 112.
This incident underscores the ongoing threat from Russian forces in Ukraine, where the risk from unexploded ordnance remains severe. The recovery operation highlights the continuous need for monitoring and clearing areas of dangerous war remnants. The public is strongly urged to prioritize safety and immediately report hazardous findings, reflecting the grave and persistent dangers in the region.
The recent recovery of missile debris in Kyiv highlights the ongoing threats posed by aerial assaults. Just days before this operation, Kyiv faced a coordinated attack involving ballistic missiles, which significantly escalated the situation in the region. For a detailed account of the overnight assault and its implications for the capital, refer to our coverage on the ballistic missile strikes that targeted both Kyiv and its outskirts.