At least 14 people were killed across Ukraine in a wave of Russian air strikes, including strikes reaching as far west as Lviv and forcing neighboring Poland to scramble fighter jets, according to local officials and military statements released on Thursday. The assaults followed a public warning from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that a massive bombardment was imminent as diplomatic efforts and long-range exchanges intensified.
Nighttime Explosions and Casualties in Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk
Multiple explosions rocked the Ukrainian capital shortly after 1 a.m. local time on Thursday, according to Kyiv Independent reporters on the ground. Emergency services reported that one person was killed and two others were injured in Kyiv. Further south and east, regional administrators confirmed that at least six more people, including two children, died in the Dnipropetrovsk region, while another person was killed in Poltava.
The heaviest single toll emerged in Kryvyi Rih, President Zelenskyy’s hometown. Oleksandr Vilkul, the city’s defense council head, stated on Telegram that a direct strike by a Russian Iskander-M ballistic missile—launched from Russia’s Voronezh region—hit the home of a large family. Six people were killed, including two girls aged five and 12, and eight others were injured. Vilkul warned that the death toll could rise as rescue crews clear away the rubble.
Missile Damage in Lviv Prompts Polish Air Defense Response
In Lviv, located close to the Polish border, Russian missiles damaged two apartment buildings, injuring 26 people, according to local officials. Rescue workers scrambled through debris to reach residents trapped inside. The western strikes prompted Poland’s armed forces to scramble fighter jets to secure national airspace, as confirmed in an official statement on X.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defence stated that its forces targeted military facilities across Ukraine, stretching from Kyiv to Lviv and Dnipropetrovsk. The ministry also claimed it struck three cargo ships near the Black Sea city of Odesa, alleging the vessels were carrying weapons and military equipment.
Zelenskyy’s Appeal for Air Defenses Following Washington Meetings
President Zelenskyy decried the operation in a post on X, stating that Russian terror proves protection against missile threats remains the primary task for saving lives, adding that the work cannot be left to Ukraine alone. The warning echoed statements he made a day earlier upon returning from the United States, where he held a White House meeting with President Donald Trump.
During his visit to Washington, Zelenskyy discussed securing licenses to manufacture Patriot missiles domestically. While Trump expressed an intention in early July to allow Ukraine to produce the surface-to-air systems, Ukraine faces a severe shortage of PAC-3 interceptor missiles. That shortage has deepened since the outbreak of the war on Iran in February.
Drone Strike Triggers Fire at Russian Retail Warehouse
As long-range aerial campaigns intensified on both sides, a Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire at a warehouse operated by top Russian online retailer Wildberries in the western Russian city of Penza. Governor Oleg Melnichenko reported via Telegram that one person was injured and approximately 200 workers were evacuated. The incident followed the evacuation of another Wildberries facility in central Russia a day earlier. Zelenskyy has accused the company of trading goods that support Russia’s invasion, an accusation rejected by Moscow.
Did you know?
Only US-made Patriot systems are currently capable of intercepting certain advanced Russian ballistic missiles, making interceptor missile supplies a critical point of discussion in international diplomatic and defense talks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ukrainian cities were hit in the latest air strikes?
Strikes and subsequent casualties were reported across multiple regions, including Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Kryvyi Rih, and Lviv.
Why did Poland scramble fighter jets?
Poland scrambled jets to secure its airspace after Russian missile attacks extended westward to the city of Lviv, which is located close to the Polish border.
What weapon was used in the Kryvyi Rih strike?
According to Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city’s defense council, a Russian Iskander-M ballistic missile launched from Russia’s Voronezh region struck a residential home in Kryvyi Rih.
What was the target of the drone attack inside Russia?
A Ukrainian drone strike set fire to a warehouse belonging to the online retailer Wildberries in the western Russian city of Penza, according to Governor Oleg Melnichenko.
Want to stay informed on the latest developments in Eastern Europe? Subscribe to our newsletter or explore our site for ongoing updates on regional security and international diplomacy.
Worth a look