In a fresh wave of Russian missile and drone attacks, seven people, including a mother and her three daughters, were killed in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. The strikes, which occurred early Wednesday morning, targeted residential areas and caused widespread destruction, including damage to over 50 buildings such as homes, schools, and clinics, according to Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovy.
The Lviv assault follows one of the deadliest bombardments this year in Ukraine, when a Russian strike on a military institute in Poltava killed 53 people. Explosions were also reported in Kyiv as Ukrainian air defences intercepted Russian missiles. Five people were wounded in Kryvyy Rih when a hotel was hit, with nearby residential buildings also damaged.
The attack on Lviv, which has largely been spared from heavy fighting over the course of the war, occurred around 05:40 AM local time. Witnesses described intense strikes, with Russia’s defense ministry claiming that Kinzhal hypersonic missiles targeted Ukrainian defense industry sites. However, civilian areas were hit, with a family of four tragically losing their lives. The sole survivor, the father, lost his wife and three daughters—Darina, Emilia, and 21-year-old Yaryna.
Ukraine’s air force confirmed that Russia launched 13 missiles and 29 attack drones, of which seven cruise missiles and 22 drones were shot down. However, the damage to Lviv was severe, with structures near the railway station and residential buildings heavily impacted.
Meanwhile, rescue workers in Poltava continued searching for survivors from Tuesday’s missile attack on a military communications institute. Mykyta Petrov, a cadet at the institute, described the devastation and loss of life caused by the strikes, saying that there were “too many dead bodies” and it had left him psychologically affected.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his plea to Western allies for more advanced long-range weapons to strike deeper into Russian territory. He vowed that those responsible for the Russian strikes would face consequences and called for additional air defense systems to prevent further attacks.
In Poltava, over 270 people were wounded, and 400 civilians had already donated blood to aid victims. The city declared three days of mourning as the search for survivors continued. Local hospitals were overwhelmed with those donating blood, and the hospital corridors were filled with citizens supporting their injured compatriots.
President Zelensky, who referred to Russian forces as “scum,” pledged that they would be held accountable. As the situation continues to escalate, Ukraine’s land forces are investigating whether proper measures were in place to protect those inside the targeted facility.
Zelensky was scheduled to meet with the Irish Prime Minister as Ireland prepares to announce new funding to support Ukraine’s humanitarian needs, rehabilitation efforts, and eventual reconstruction.
