Seven individuals, including three children, have tragically lost their lives in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv amid renewed Russian assaults, as confirmed by the city’s mayor. This wave of attacks follows the recent tragedy in Poltava, where at least 50 people were killed at a military institution.
Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovy reported that Russian forces targeted the city with drones and hypersonic missiles early Wednesday morning. Among the deceased are a baby, two girls aged nine and fourteen, and a local midwife.
Explosions were also reported over the capital, Kyiv, as air defenses engaged incoming Russian missiles. Meanwhile, in Kryvyy Rih, five individuals were injured due to a hotel strike, with Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul expressing relief that there were no fatalities.
The Ukrainian military has issued a nationwide air alert due to escalating threats. In Lviv, over 50 structures have sustained damage, including homes, schools, and medical facilities. Rescue operations continue at the Poltava military institute, where survivors are being sought in the aftermath of Tuesday’s devastating missile strikes.
Eyewitness accounts describe the chaos following the missile hits at the Poltava institute, with a cadet recalling the harrowing scene filled with smoke and wounded individuals. An air raid siren had sounded shortly before the strikes, leaving little time for people to seek shelter.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, promising retribution against what he referred to as “Russian scum” and reiterated the need for enhanced air defenses to strengthen Ukraine’s protection.
An investigation is underway to determine the adequacy of protective measures at the military facility that was struck. Poltava’s governor denounced the attack as a “cunning and cynical Russian strike,” with reports indicating that 15 individuals may still be trapped beneath the debris.
The assaults on Lviv coincided with air raid alerts across the nation, with reports indicating the city was targeted around 05:40 AM. The mayor noted that several buildings near the railway station were directly impacted, with residential structures also damaged.
While Lviv has largely avoided the most severe fighting in the ongoing conflict, recent Russian strikes have recently targeted its energy infrastructure, resulting in power outages.
In diplomatic developments, President Zelensky is scheduled to meet with the Irish premier, who is set to announce new financial support for Ukraine’s defense efforts, including a humanitarian aid package totaling €43 million to assist with rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the country.
