RUSSIA has carried out its largest drone assault on Ukraine since the war began, launching a total of 948 drones within just 24 hours. The strikes targeted several cities across the country and caused widespread damage and casualties.
A major wave of attacks took place on Tuesday afternoon, when more than 400 drones hit different regions during daylight hours. This unusual daytime assault resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, especially in western parts of the country.
Earlier the same day, overnight strikes had already killed at least five people. The combined attacks made it one of the most intense periods of the conflict so far.
Western Cities Face Heavy Damage
The city of Lviv suffered significant damage. Mayor Andriy Sadovyi confirmed that at least 22 people were injured, with numbers expected to rise.
Officials reported damage near the historic Bernardine monastery, a 16th-century heritage site. Nearby residential buildings caught fire during the attack, adding to the destruction.
Other western cities, including Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, and Ternopil, also came under heavy fire.
In Ivano-Frankivsk, authorities confirmed two deaths and several injuries, including a young child. The attacks damaged homes, infrastructure, and even a maternity hospital.
Vinnytsia reported one death and multiple injuries following strikes later in the day.
Scale and Strategy of the Attack
A spokesperson for Ukraine’s air force said large groups of drones entered the country from the north, moving in coordinated formations. He noted that the daytime attacks covered a wider geographic area than previous night strikes.
Although the war has affected nearly every region of Ukraine, western areas have experienced fewer attacks compared to regions closer to the eastern front. This latest assault marks a significant escalation in those areas.
Ongoing Conflict and Rising Tensions
The war, which began with a full-scale invasion by Russia four years ago, continues with near-daily strikes on Ukrainian cities. The latest wave highlights the ongoing intensity of the conflict.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes also targeted Russian territory. In the Kursk region, officials reported one death and multiple injuries after an attack on an agricultural site.
Efforts to reach a peace agreement have stalled in recent months. International negotiations have slowed down as global tensions rise, particularly following conflicts in the Middle East.
Olena Zelenska urged the world not to ignore the human cost of the war. She emphasized that the suffering of Ukrainians should not become just another statistic amid global news.
