Ukrainian Cities Targeted on March 24
On March 24, Russian forces launched attacks against a series of Ukrainian cities, including Zhytomyr, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Ternopil, and Ivano-Frankivsk. These strikes, part of a wider assault on civilian areas, resulted in casualties. In Zhytomyr, a 12-year-old girl was injured and hospitalized, a two-story residential building was damaged, and windows were blown out in neighboring structures.
In Lviv, where others were also wounded, a nationally significant architectural monument—the Bernardine Monastery complex—was damaged. This monastery is listed on the International Register of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection, a UNESCO designation for sites of major importance. Explosions also rocked Vinnytsia, Ternopil, and Ivano-Frankivsk, where preliminary reports indicate there were fatalities and injuries.
Combined Assault on Critical Infrastructure
Overnight into March 24, the Russian Federation carried out a combined strike on Ukraine's critical infrastructure using drones and missiles.
"Rescuers quickly contained the fire. According to operational information, a 12-year-old girl was injured in the attack. She has been taken to the hospital where she is receiving necessary medical care. Do not ignore air raid sirens. Protect yourselves and your loved ones," stated Vitaliy Bunechko.
The cities attacked on March 24 were:
- Zhytomyr
- Lviv
- Vinnytsia
- Ternopil
- Ivano-Frankivsk
These attacks occurred amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, raising deep concern among the civilian population and the international community. The targeting of cities, including cultural heritage sites, underscores the war's devastating impact on Ukrainian infrastructure and culture. The intensification of strikes on populated areas highlights a growing threat to civilians, demanding an urgent response from authorities and humanitarian organizations. The conflict has increasingly seen civilian areas and cultural landmarks come under fire, violating international norms.
As the situation escalates, the damage to cultural landmarks raises alarm. The recent assaults not only targeted civilians but also struck significant sites, including the Bernardine Monastery in Lviv. For more details on the impact of this drone strike on a UNESCO World Heritage site, see our report on the UNESCO site affected in Lviv.