Russia Launches Nighttime Assault with 339 Drones, Strikes Civilian Sites in Lutsk

October 24, 2023 Attack on Ukraine

According to ДСНС: In a major overnight assault on October 24, 2023, Russia attacked Ukraine using a massive wave of drones. The city of Lutsk was among the targets, where strikes hit civilian infrastructure, including food warehouses and a terminal of the 'Nova Poshta' delivery service. A residential building was also damaged. Firefighting efforts are ongoing at the scene, with all necessary personnel from Ukraine's State Emergency Service (SES) and municipal utilities engaged in mitigating the attack's consequences.

Attack Details

According to reports, Russia deployed 339 drones in the attack overnight, approximately 200 of which were Iranian-made 'Shahed' models. Other Ukrainian regions also came under fire:

• Dnipropetrovsk Oblast
• Zhytomyr Oblast
• Poltava Oblast
• Odesa Oblast
• Kharkiv Oblast
• Khmelnytskyi Oblast

Volodymyr Zelenskyy: 'In Lutsk, firefighting continues after a nighttime strike by Russian 'Shahed' drones. There were hits on purely civilian targets: the Russians destroyed food warehouses and a 'Nova Poshta' terminal. A residential building was also damaged. All necessary forces of Ukraine's SES and municipal services are already involved to eliminate the consequences of this attack. Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, Poltava, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Khmelnytskyi oblasts were also under Russian strikes tonight. And there are still 'Shaheds' in our sky.'

This assault is part of an ongoing series of Russian military actions, highlighting an increased threat to Ukraine's civilian population. The destruction of critical infrastructure raises serious concerns about the stability of supply chains for goods and services in the affected regions. Amid relentless attacks, Ukrainian emergency services continue their work to manage the fallout, though the security situation remains highly tense. These large-scale drone attacks have become a frequent tactic in Russia's campaign to degrade Ukrainian infrastructure and morale.

The recent drone assault in Lutsk is part of a troubling trend, as evidenced by another significant attack where multiple regions faced similar threats and civilian casualties were reported. This ongoing escalation in military actions raises alarm over the safety of the civilian population across Ukraine. For further insights into the extent of these assaults and their impact on various regions, explore the details of this major drone barrage affecting five regions.