Ukraine Hit by 339 Russian Drones in Major Assault, Damaging Civilian Sites Across Seven Regions

Russia Launches Major Drone Assault on Ukraine

According to Главком: In a large-scale overnight assault, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with hundreds of drones on April 1. The aggression resulted in strikes across multiple regions, damaging civilian infrastructure and residential buildings, and causing casualties. This attack is part of a continued pattern of strikes on non-military targets, which has escalated in recent months.

The attack, which involved 339 drones, impacted several regions. The areas that were struck include:

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

In Lutsk, civilian sites were hit, including food warehouses, a 'Nova Poshta' terminal, and an apartment building. Firefighting efforts were ongoing at the scene to extinguish blazes ignited by the strikes.

In the Myrhorod district of Poltava Oblast, one person was injured by a falling drone. In Khmelnytskyi, a furniture store in the Rakove district was completely destroyed by fire. Russian drones also targeted Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Information on casualties in Lutsk is still being clarified.

The Head of State commented on the situation, stating, 'Right now in Lutsk, firefighting is ongoing after a night strike by Russian 'Shahed' drones. There were strikes on purely civilian objects: the Russians destroyed food warehouses and a 'Nova Poshta' terminal. A residential building was also damaged. All necessary forces of Ukraine's State Emergency Service and utility services are already engaged to eliminate the consequences of this attack.'

The Ukrainian leader further emphasized, 'We proposed a ceasefire for Easter – in response we get 'Shaheds'. We also specifically proposed a ceasefire regarding energy facilities – the Russians ignore this and again try to hit our substations and transformers.' He added, 'Ukraine is working with partners to create more joint opportunities to protect life, while Russia continues to prolong the war in Europe and is blatantly investing its intelligence data for the Iranian regime to fuel war in the Middle East and the Gulf.'

This assault ranks among the largest in recent times, signaling an escalation of military action by Russia. The targeting of civilian infrastructure underscores the ongoing risk to Ukraine's civilian population. The Head of State pointed to the critical importance of international support for the country's defense, stressing the need for continued dialogue with security partners. Given the current trajectory, the prospects for a peaceful resolution appear increasingly difficult.

The recent drone assault on Ukraine is part of a troubling trend, as evidenced by a similar incident where five regions were struck, resulting in civilian casualties. This ongoing pattern of aggression underscores the urgent need for international attention and support. For more details on the impact of these attacks across various regions, see the full report on the significant drone barrage affecting civilians.