Russia Launches Large-Scale Air Assault on Ukraine’s Lviv and Volyn Regions, Leaving Buildings Damaged and Injuries Reported
Russia has launched a significant air attack on Ukraine’s western region of Lviv and the northwestern region of Volyn, causing damage to several buildings and leaving multiple people injured. The attack, which took place overnight, involved the firing of numerous missiles, some of which were intercepted, but others hit their targets.
Andriy Sadovyi, the mayor of Lviv, confirmed that while many missiles were successfully shot down, several buildings in the city suffered damage. In response to the situation, orders were given to evacuate residents from at least one burning apartment building. This assault on Lviv is particularly noteworthy because until now, the region had been relatively spared from Russia’s air attacks.
The neighbouring region of Volyn, which also shares a border with Poland, was also targeted in the latest strikes. A business enterprise was hit, resulting in at least two injuries in the city of Lutsk, according to local authorities.
In recent months, Russia has intensified its invasion of Ukraine, and the attack on Lviv and Volyn represents a significant escalation. Previously, these regions had been considered relatively safe as they are far from the front lines and share a border with NATO-member Poland. However, in July, seven people lost their lives when a missile struck a residential building in Lviv. Ukrainian media reports indicate that this recent attack is the largest air assault on the Lviv region since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
The assault on Lviv and Volyn follows Russia’s launch of three waves of drones and missiles against the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa. Thankfully, the Ukrainian Air Force successfully intercepted all incoming airborne weapons. However, falling debris from these interceptions damaged a residential building, a supermarket, and a dormitory at an educational facility in Odesa. Two supermarket employees were subsequently hospitalized.
Beyond Ukraine, tensions between Russia and its neighboring countries continue to escalate. In Moldova, 22 Russian diplomats flew out of the capital, Chisinau, leaving behind only a skeleton staff. This development comes after Moldova ordered Moscow to withdraw most of its delegation last month. The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that this unfriendly step by Moldova would have consequences for Russian-Moldovan relations.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine persists, the international community continues to closely monitor the situation. Efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution remain crucial in order to avoid further casualties and damage.
