Russia unleashed a massive aerial assault on Ukraine, striking cities across the country with drones and missiles in one of the most extensive attacks this month. The onslaught targeted both eastern and western regions, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life. In Chernivtsi, near the border with Romania, two people were killed and at least 20 others injured. Explosions damaged civilian infrastructure in several areas, including Kharkiv, Sumy, Lviv, Lutsk, and Chernivtsi.
Ukrainian air defense forces worked intensely through the night, intercepting 25 missiles and 319 drones. An additional 258 drones were neutralized through electronic warfare systems. Despite these efforts, the scale of the attack caused significant damage, particularly in the west, which had been relatively less affected in the past.
The latest wave of strikes marks a continuing escalation of Russia’s aerial campaign, which has intensified since June. Officials described the barrage as part of a deliberate strategy to spread destruction across both heavily fortified front-line cities and previously safer western regions.
In Chernivtsi, a city approximately 40 kilometers from the Romanian border, a 26-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man were killed. Several others sustained injuries as a result of the drone and missile strikes. The explosions triggered multiple fires, and residential homes along with administrative buildings were hit. Emergency responders were deployed to douse the flames and assist the wounded.
The western city of Lviv was among the hardest hit. A wide range of buildings, from homes and schools to courtrooms and small businesses, bore the brunt of the assault. Authorities reported that 46 homes, a university facility, and approximately 20 business premises were damaged. The city’s judicial complex also sustained significant structural harm.
Residents recounted harrowing moments during the attack. One man described how his apartment was left in ruins — glass shards scattered across the floor, furniture overturned, and the windows blown out. Despite the damage, he remained inside, uncertain of how to restore normalcy or find rest in the aftermath of such a traumatic night.
Officials noted that the scale and intensity of the latest strikes underscored a worrying trend. The pace of drone and missile attacks has accelerated sharply in recent weeks, signaling a broader shift in tactics aimed at overwhelming Ukrainian defenses and terrorizing civilians. Calls have intensified for stronger international measures, including harsher sanctions and increased military support, particularly in the form of advanced air defense systems.
June had already recorded the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine over the past three years, and the continuing strikes threaten to push that toll even higher. With infrastructure being targeted indiscriminately and cities across the country enduring nightly bombardments, the humanitarian and psychological toll on Ukraine’s population continues to mount.
This latest attack has added urgency to appeals for action, with officials emphasizing that deterrence can only come through strength and timely intervention. As Ukraine braces for more strikes, the need for comprehensive international support grows ever more critical.
