In the early hours of July 12, Russia launched one of its most extensive air offensives against Ukraine in recent months. Over 570 drones and a series of guided missiles pounded multiple western and central Ukrainian regions, including Lviv, Ternopil, and Vinnytsia.
The attack, reportedly involving Iranian-made Shahed drones and Kalibr cruise missiles, killed at least two civilians and wounded over 20 others. Ukraine’s Air Force claimed it intercepted the majority of the drones but admitted that several targets were struck, causing structural damage and fires. Residential areas and energy infrastructure were among the primary targets, raising alarms over Moscow’s renewed escalation ahead of winter. Kyiv condemned the attack as a “brutal terror tactic” meant to exhaust air defense resources. International observers note that the timing coincides with NATO’s summit discussions, possibly signaling Russia’s intention to disrupt diplomatic unity on Ukraine.