Russia Attacks Ukraine’s West with Missiles and Drones

Post by : Monika

Photo : Reuters

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Russia launched a major attack on western Ukraine using a large number of missiles and drones. This deadly attack killed two people, injured many others, and damaged several homes and buildings. It was one of the biggest strikes in western Ukraine in recent months.

The Ukrainian air force and emergency workers reported that more than 40 Russian weapons, including missiles and drones, were fired toward different parts of the country. Most of them were aimed at Lviv region, which is close to the border with Poland and usually not hit as often as cities in the east or south.

This attack has shocked many people, especially those living in the west, who thought they were somewhat safer from the war.

What Happened?
The attack started in the early hours of Saturday. People in cities like Lviv and surrounding areas were woken up by loud sirens warning them of airstrikes. Not long after, there were explosions as Russian drones and missiles hit their targets.

The Ukrainian air force said it was a mixed attack – meaning Russia used both missiles and drones to try to confuse air defense systems. These kinds of attacks are harder to stop because the drones and missiles move at different speeds and heights.

The air force said they were able to shoot down 33 out of 38 weapons, including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones. But some still got through and hit homes and other buildings.

Deaths and Injuries
In a town called Stryi in the Lviv region, one person died when a missile hit a home. Several houses were damaged, and people had to be rescued from the rubble.

In another area nearby, another person was killed, and nine more people were injured. The head of Lviv’s regional government, Maksym Kozytskyi, said that rescue teams were working hard to help people and search for anyone who might be trapped.

Among the injured were some elderly people and a young woman. They were taken to local hospitals and are being treated for burns and other wounds caused by broken glass and debris.

Damage to Buildings and Power Systems
The attacks also caused damage to residential buildings, cars, and power lines. Several towns in Lviv lost electricity and water for a few hours. Repair teams were sent out quickly to fix the power grid and help restore services.

Photos and videos shared by Ukrainian officials showed burned-out homes, shattered windows, and deep craters where missiles had landed. In some neighborhoods, people were sweeping up glass and trying to cover broken roofs with plastic sheets.

One woman, who lived in a house that was damaged, told reporters, “I was sleeping when the window shattered. My husband grabbed our daughter, and we ran to the basement. We are lucky to be alive.”

Attack Aimed at Western Ukraine
Western Ukraine has been hit less often than other regions during the war, which is now in its third year. However, when attacks do happen in the west, they are often aimed at critical infrastructure like power plants, railways, and fuel storage areas.

Military experts believe that Russia may have been trying to hit military supply routes or disrupt the movement of weapons coming from Western countries, since much of that support enters Ukraine from the west through Poland.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the attack showed once again that Russia will strike anywhere in the country, not just the frontlines. He repeated his call for more air defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities and civilians.

What the Air Force Said

• Ukraine’s air force gave more details about the attack. They said Russia used:
• 13 missiles launched from airplanes and land-based systems
• 25 attack drones made in Iran (called Shahed drones)
• Ballistic missiles that move very fast and are harder to shoot down
• Most of these weapons were aimed at the Lviv region, though a few were also sent toward other parts of western and central Ukraine.

The Ukrainian air force said they used different defense systems, including fighter jets, anti-aircraft missiles, and mobile units, to shoot down as many incoming weapons as possible.

Reactions from Officials
Ukrainian officials called this a terrorist-style attack meant to scare people and cause pain. Lviv’s regional leader Kozytskyi said, “Russia once again shows that it does not care about human life. It attacks peaceful homes while families are sleeping.”

He added, “We will not be broken. We will rebuild everything they destroy.”

Emergency teams worked throughout the day to clear rubble, help injured people, and support those who lost their homes.

President Zelenskyy said that air defense is the key to saving lives and called on Ukraine’s allies to send more defense systems like Patriot missiles.

Global Support and Response
This attack came just days after the NATO summit, where leaders from the United States, Europe, and other allied countries met to discuss how to help Ukraine. At that meeting, the U.S. promised more support, including long-range missiles and air defense tools.

Saturday’s attack reminded the world that the war is still very active and dangerous — not just in the east, where most battles happen, but also in the west, where many people had taken shelter.

Ukrainians across the country have become used to living with sirens and threats, but attacks like this one bring new fear to places that had felt relatively safe.

A Community in Shock, But Standing Strong
In towns like Stryi, where the missile landed, people gathered in churches and community centers to support each other. Volunteers handed out food and warm drinks to families who could not return to their damaged homes.

One man whose house was destroyed said, “We built this home with our own hands. Now it’s gone. But we are alive, and we will start again.”

Even as they cleaned up the mess, people spoke of hope and strength, showing that the human spirit is stronger than any missile.

The missile and drone attack on western Ukraine on July 12 has once again shown the deep impact of the war on ordinary people. It killed two people, hurt many others, and left behind damage and sadness. But it also showed how strong and united the Ukrainian people are.

As Ukraine continues to fight for its freedom, the country’s leaders are asking the world to help protect its skies and stop more innocent lives from being lost.

The world watches — and Ukraine continues to stand.

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