Evidence suggests that the deadly explosion at a market in Kostiantynivka, Ukraine, was caused by an errant missile fired by Ukraine, according to a report from The New York Times. The explosion, which occurred on September 6th and resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people, had initially been blamed on a Russian missile by Ukraine. However, evidence collected by The New York Times, including missile fragments, satellite imagery, witness accounts, and social media posts, strongly indicates that the catastrophic strike was the result of an errant Ukrainian air defense missile fired by a Buk launch system.

The report quoted air defense experts who explained that missiles like the one that hit Kostiantynivka can go off course due to various reasons, such as electronic malfunctions or damaged guidance fins during launch. The report also mentioned security camera footage that showed the missile flying into Kostiantynivka from Ukrainian-held territory, rather than from behind Russian lines. Additionally, evidence was presented showing that minutes before the explosion, the Ukrainian military had launched two surface-to-air missiles towards the Russian front line from the town of Druzhkivka, which is northwest of Kostiantynivka.

Witnesses claimed to have seen these missiles being fired in the direction of the Russian front line around the time of the strike. Measurements of the explosion's holes and fragments found at the scene were consistent with the 9M38 missile, which can be fired by either Ukraine or Russia's mobile Buk anti-aircraft vehicle. However, Reuters could not independently verify the report, and no immediate response was received from Ukraine's presidential aide.

Despite the evidence presented by The New York Times, Ukraine's armed forces spokesperson still maintained that the Russians were responsible for the blast. Nonetheless, the report clarified that Ukraine's security service was actively investigating the incident and could not provide further comment due to national law restrictions. This report challenges the initial blame placed on Russia and raises questions about the possibility of the explosion being caused by an errant Ukrainian missile.