Russia escalated its aerial assault on Ukraine on Wednesday, launching a fresh wave of missiles and drones targeting the capital Kyiv and the western city of Lviv, near the border with NATO-member Poland. This attack follows the war’s deadliest single strike this year, which devastated a military institute in the central town of Poltava on Tuesday, killing at least 50 people and wounding over 270.
Widespread attacks
Early Wednesday morning, air raid sirens blared across Ukraine as the entire nation was placed on high alert. Explosions were reported on the outskirts of both Kyiv and Lviv, with Ukrainian air defense systems engaged in repelling the onslaught. In Lviv, regional governor Maksym Kozytskyi confirmed the damage to residential buildings, saying on Telegram, “Yes, it’s very loud.”
Poland, a neighboring NATO member, activated its aircraft for the third time in just over a week, reflecting heightened concerns over airspace security due to Russia’s increasing military activity in the region. “This is another very busy night for the entire air defense system in Poland due to the observed activity of the long-range aviation of the Russian Federation carrying out strikes,” the Polish Air Force Command stated on social media platform X.
Poltava attack: war’s deadliest strike of 2024
Just a day before, on Tuesday, Russia launched two ballistic missiles at a military institute in Poltava, 300 kilometers southeast of Kyiv, marking the deadliest single attack of the conflict this year. The missiles struck during class hours, catching many off-guard. Graphic images shared on social media showed the bodies of young men covered in dust and debris, surrounded by the shattered remains of the institute’s buildings.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack, describing it as a “stunning tragedy” and vowing that “the Russian scum will definitely be held accountable for this strike.” He ordered an immediate investigation and confirmed that some victims were still trapped under the rubble.
The Ukrainian Land Forces Command launched an internal review to assess whether adequate measures were taken to protect the soldiers stationed at the facility. The use of ballistic missiles, which offer little time for those targeted to seek cover, compounded the tragedy.
Intensifying missile and drone strikes
Russia has dramatically intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, particularly over the past month, as both sides struggle to gain an advantage in the 2½-year-old conflict. Last week saw Ukraine hit with its heaviest bombardment to date, with ballistic and cruise missiles targeting Kyiv and other regions.
In response, Ukraine launched over 150 drones against Russian targets last weekend, damaging an oil refinery near Moscow and a power station. However, these retaliatory strikes have not deterred Russia from continuing its aerial campaign.
Zelenskiy has once again called on Western allies to provide more air defense systems and long-range weapons, emphasizing the urgent need to protect Ukrainian territory. “We keep telling everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror: Air defense systems and missiles are needed in Ukraine, not in a warehouse somewhere,” Zelenskiy said.
Government shake-up amidst the war
Amid these escalating attacks, Ukraine’s government is undergoing a significant reshuffle. On Tuesday, Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin resigned, signaling his move to another defense role. His departure, along with the resignations of four other ministers, leaves over a third of the cabinet vacant.
President Zelenskiy hinted at a major government overhaul, stressing the need for strong leadership as Ukraine navigates this critical phase of the war. “Autumn will be extremely important for Ukraine,” Zelenskiy said in his nightly address. “Our state institutions should be configured so that Ukraine achieves all the results that we need.”
Zelenskiy’s political allies are expected to fill the vacant positions quickly, especially with the president planning a visit to the United States later this month, where he aims to present a “victory plan” to President Joe Biden, a crucial supporter of Ukraine.
Ongoing conflict
As the conflict grinds on, both Ukraine and Russia are intensifying their military operations. Ukrainian forces are pushing a risky cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, while Russian troops are making incremental gains in eastern Ukraine.
With missile and drone strikes increasing in frequency and intensity, the war shows no signs of abating, leaving civilians and military personnel alike bracing for more violence in the weeks and months ahead.
