Russia has announced the launch of large-scale strikes on key targets in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv and Lviv. Residential buildings, important infrastructure and military targets are under threat. The threat continues as drone launches from seven locations have been reported.
- Russia announces large-scale strikes on Kyiv, Lviv and other regions of Ukraine
- Targets include residential buildings, hotels, universities, and military installations
- Russia calls on the US to evacuate diplomats and citizens from Kyiv
- Drone launches recorded from seven locations, threat continues
Russia's preparations for massive strikes
The Russian Federation announced plans to conduct large-scale air strikes in Ukraine. The main targets were residential buildings, hotels, water supply facilities, substations, the railway, government offices and military installations in Kyiv. In Lviv, universities, energy infrastructure, the railway, airfields and military facilities were hit. In addition, facilities in Dnipropetrovs'k, Rivne, Khmelnytsky, Ivano-Frankivsk and Zhytomyr regions are under threat.
Scope of air strikes
According to the Russian side, they plan to use more than 1,000 air attack weapons for the attack. This includes more than 900 unmanned aerial vehicles, up to 48 X-101 cruise missiles, up to 40 ballistic missiles, up to 24 Kalibr missiles, up to 6 Kinzhal missiles, and up to 4 Zircon hypersonic missiles. Drone launches were recorded from at least seven locations and are ongoing.
Response and evacuation measures
Russia urges the US to urgently evacuate its citizens and diplomats from Kyiv. The Russian Foreign Ministry also recommended that foreigners leave the Ukrainian capital. These measures indicate an increased threat to civilians and foreign missions.
Threat to civilian infrastructure
Targets include residential buildings, hotels, water supply facilities and important substations. In Lviv, universities could be targeted, which could have implications for the educational process. The threat also extends to railway infrastructure, which could affect logistics and movement in the region.
Potential implications for Ukraine
If the attacks take place, they could become one of the largest in the war. Damage to civilian and military infrastructure threatens to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and strain defence capabilities. Ukrainians are advised to move to safe places in advance and be prepared for a prolonged threat.
