In the early hours of Monday, Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, was shaken by at least seven explosions as Russian forces unleashed a massive missile and drone attack. The city’s residents were alerted by a nationwide warning, signaling the most intense assault in recent weeks. The attack has left parts of Kyiv and other regions in shock as they grapple with the aftermath.
Casualties and Damage Across Ukraine
The widespread attack resulted in the loss of lives across Ukraine, with three fatalities reported. The deaths occurred in the western city of Lutsk, the eastern Dnipro region, and the southern Zaporizhzhia area. Local authorities are still assessing the damage, which includes significant destruction in residential areas and critical infrastructure.
Russian Bombers and Drone Strikes
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia deployed 11 TU-95 strategic bombers to launch the attack. The bombers released a barrage of missiles, accompanied by waves of drones heading towards eastern, northern, southern, and central regions of Ukraine. The intensity and coordination of the attack mark it as one of the largest offensives by Russia in recent weeks.
Destruction in Lutsk and Other Regions
In the city of Lutsk, located in northwestern Ukraine, explosions caused severe damage to an apartment block, resulting in one confirmed death. Similarly, the southern regions of Odesa and Zaporizhzhia and the northern region of Kharkiv experienced multiple explosions. Local authorities, through Telegram, have urged residents to seek shelter immediately as the threat of further strikes looms.
Targeting Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure
The assault also aimed at crippling Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. In Lviv, located in western Ukraine, the regional governor reported that energy facilities were specifically targeted by Russian forces. As a result, parts of Lviv and its surrounding areas experienced power outages, further adding to the region’s hardships.
Previous Day’s Attacks
The recent assault follows a series of attacks by Russia on northern, eastern, and southern Ukraine just a day prior. These attacks claimed the lives of at least four people and injured 37 others. Regions such as Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Donetsk were particularly affected, with Russian forces intensifying their efforts to destabilize Ukraine’s frontline defenses.
The Human Cost of War
Both Russia and Ukraine have consistently denied targeting civilians throughout the ongoing conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, the human toll continues to rise as residential areas and non-combatant populations bear the brunt of the hostilities.