Russia Launches Largest Aerial Assault on Ukraine Since War Began, Targeting Cities Nationwide

Kyiv. Russia has launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began. In the last 24 hours, Russia targeted various Ukrainian cities, launching 948 drones.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, 556 drones were used in the unusual attack just on Tuesday afternoon. At least three people were killed and dozens injured in this attack. Five people had already lost their lives in the overnight attack. Ukraine claims Russia launched 392 drones and 34 missiles during the night.

This time, historical and sensitive areas of Ukraine were targeted by the Russian attack. Damage was reported at the famous 16th-century Bernardine Monastery located in the western city of Lviv. This area, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is in the city center. Videos have been released showing drones falling on residential buildings in Lviv, where 32 people were injured.

In the neighboring city of Ivano-Frankivsk, a maternity hospital was damaged by a Russian drone strike. Local officials confirmed that four people, including a 6-year-old boy, were injured in this city, and two people died. Similarly, direct hits were reported in cities like Ternopil and Vinnytsia, resulting in one death and 13 injuries.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the nature of the attack indicates Russia is not in favor of ending the war. In a video address, he noted that Russia's intention appears to be causing destruction rather than establishing peace.

Although the Ukrainian Air Force claimed to have shot down most of the drones and missiles, it admitted that direct hits occurred in 11 regions of the country. According to Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat, the Russian drones entered Ukrainian airspace in a convoy from the north.

News also emerged on Tuesday that one Russian citizen was killed in a drone attack carried out by Ukraine in Russia's Kursk region. Peace talks, which were set to begin with US mediation, have slowed down due to tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, which were expected to start towards the end of February.