The Ukrainian air force successfully intercepted 25 missiles and 319 Shahed drones, while electronic warfare systems jammed 258 additional drones. Despite these defenses, the strikes left significant destruction in their wake, particularly in the western cities of Lviv, Lutsk, and Chernivtsi. Zelenskiy used the opportunity to renew his call for tougher sanctions against Russia and more advanced air defense systems for Ukraine. “This war can only be stopped through strength,” he stated, urging immediate action from Ukraine’s partners.
The worst-hit area was Chernivtsi, where a missile and drone strike killed a 26-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man. Fourteen others were wounded, and several fires broke out, causing damage to residential homes and administrative buildings. Ruslan Zaparaniuk, the governor of Chernivetskyi region, reported that the city was severely affected by the night-time assault. The casualties highlight the devastating human cost of the ongoing conflict.
In Lviv, located near the Polish border, Russian missiles damaged 46 residential houses, a university building, and the city’s courts. Approximately 20 small and medium-sized businesses were also affected. Witnesses described the destruction, with one resident, Oleh Sidorov, recounting how his apartment was covered in glass shards, leaving him unsure of how to sleep through the night. The destruction has left locals in shock as they try to salvage what’s left of their homes.
The attack is part of a broader trend, with Russia increasing its use of drones and missiles in recent weeks. The United Nations reported that June saw the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine in three years, with 232 deaths and over 1,300 injuries. As the war intensifies, Zelenskiy’s government continues to press for international support to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and prevent further loss of life.
The ongoing attacks underline the escalating threat to Ukraine’s cities and civilian infrastructure, with western regions increasingly under siege. As tensions rise, the international community is urged to take more decisive action to help curb the devastation.