Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults of the war early Sunday, striking Ukraine’s western Lviv region with a massive wave of missiles and drones that left civilians dead and critical infrastructure in ruins.
According to Ukrainian officials, approximately 140 Shahed drones and 23 ballistic missiles were launched in the attack — the largest strike on the Lviv region since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Civilian Tragedy in Lapaivka
Among the victims were four members of a single family, including a 15-year-old girl, killed when their home was destroyed in the village of Lapaivka, near Lviv. At least eight others were injured across the region.
A resident of Lapaivka told reporters that his family’s home was “completely destroyed,” describing scenes of chaos and disbelief as emergency responders searched through debris.
Infrastructure and Power Systems Targeted
While Moscow claimed its missiles were aimed at military-industrial sites, Ukrainian authorities confirmed that civilian infrastructure was hit. Damage was reported to a gas pipeline, a business complex on the city’s outskirts, and multiple residential buildings. The strikes caused power outages in two Lviv districts, forcing public transportation to temporarily halt.
Strategic Intent Behind the Strikes
Military analysts say the assault aligns with Russia’s winter-season strategy of targeting energy and utility infrastructure to disrupt daily life and pressure Ukraine’s population ahead of colder months. The coordinated use of drones and missiles suggests a deliberate attempt to exhaust Ukrainian air defenses and instill fear among civilians.
Regional and International Reactions
The attack also raised alarms beyond Ukraine’s borders. Poland, a NATO member that shares a border with the Lviv region, scrambled aircraft and placed its air defense forces on high alert to secure its airspace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, accusing Russia of “aerial terror” and urging the international community to respond more decisively.
