In brief
In what marks the most significant aerial assault since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Russian military launched 948 drones within 24 hours, impacting cities like Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk. The unprecedented strike has left at least three dead and dozens injured, with substantial damage reported to cultural landmarks and hospitals. Ukrainian officials express deep concern over the escalating violence, highlighting the continuing threat posed by Russia in this persistent conflict.
Russia has launched the largest aerial attack on Ukraine over a 24-hour period since the war began, hitting cities across the country with 948 drones.
Ukraine's Air Force said 556 drones had been fired since 09:00 local time (07:00 GMT) on Tuesday, in an unusual daytime attack which killed at least three people and injured dozens.
In the western city of Lviv, the 16th century Bernardine monastery - part of a UNESCO World Heritage site in the city center - was damaged, local officials said.
In the neighboring Ivano-Frankivsk region, a maternity hospital was hit.
Those strikes came after an overnight Russian attack left five people dead. Ukraine said 392 drones and 34 missiles were fired.
In his video address on Tuesday evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the scale of the latest attacks clearly shows that Russia has no intention of really ending this war.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the war continues unabated, with Moscow launching near-daily attacks on cities across the country. Amid this increased violence, officials express distress and commitment to not allowing the tragedy of war to fade into mere statistics.
