Russia launches overnight airstrikes across Ukraine, targeting Western regions

In the early hours of July 12, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine using Shahed-type attack drones and cruise missiles. The strikes primarily targeted western Ukraine, causing widespread damage and casualties.

In Rivne Oblast, Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted multiple enemy targets. According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties or infrastructure damage.

However, in Chernivtsi and its surrounding areas, missile strikes led to several fires breaking out simultaneously. According to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, administrative and residential buildings, two inactive structures, and multiple vehicles were damaged. At least two people were killed, four sustained serious injuries, and ten others were lightly wounded.

A massive overnight assault also hit Lviv, involving both drones and missiles. Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi confirmed that several buildings were damaged. All fires have since been extinguished, and four people were injured in the attack.

In Volyn Oblast, an air raid alert was issued at 2:21 a.m. local time. The city of Lutsk was hit with two missiles and 35 drones. Explosions were heard as air defense systems responded. While multiple buildings were damaged, no casualties were reported.

In Kirovohrad Oblast, nearly 10 private homes were damaged in a local community. Roofs were torn off, and windows, doors, and fences were destroyed.

Missile activity was also reported in Chernivtsi Oblast, but the extent of the damage is yet to be confirmed.

Air defense systems were activated in both Kropyvnytskyi and Cherkasy. According to Ihor Taburets, head of the Cherkasy Regional Administration, Ukrainian forces downed a Russian missile and 20 drones overnight. “The most important thing is that no one was injured,” he stated.

In Cherkasy Oblast, the shockwave from explosions damaged eight private houses, and approximately 50 households lost power.

The attacks were not limited to the west. In Kharkiv, Russia used both aerial bombs and Shahed drones to strike the city, with at least 10 hits reported. Three people were injured.

Ukraine’s air defense continues to work around the clock to repel ongoing Russian aerial assaults.