Massive Russian Strikes Hit Lutsk, Kovel, Kolomyia, and Khmelnytskyi

Russia Launches Large-Scale Attack on Ukraine on May 13

According to Главком: On May 13, Russia carried out a massive combined assault on Ukraine, targeting the cities of Lutsk, Kovel, Kolomyia, and Khmelnytskyi. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), Moscow plans to follow up drone strikes with a wave of cruise missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously warned of escalating drone activity across the country.

Lutsk suffered severe damage, including a direct hit on a residential building. In the Kolomyia district, air raid sirens began at 12:07 PM. By 12:42 PM, the mayor of Kolomyia reported an explosion within the community. During the attack, alerts were also issued in the Kalush, Nadvirna, and Ivano-Frankivsk districts. In Ivano-Frankivsk, all public transportation came to a halt.

In the Khmelnytskyi region, air raid warnings sounded at 10:46 AM, and around 11:20 AM, residents of Khmelnytskyi reported the first explosions. Serhiy Tiurin, head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration, confirmed at 1:07 PM that three people had sustained moderate injuries and were hospitalized. They received medical care and are in stable condition.

'The enemy attack on the Khmelnytskyi region is ongoing. Our air defense forces are repelling the assault. We know of three injured people.' - Serhiy Tiurin

Additionally, parts of Rivne lost power following the strikes. HUR data indicates that during the first wave, the aggressor deployed a large number of attack drones targeting energy infrastructure, military-industrial complex facilities, and government buildings. The day before, on May 12, 14 regions of Ukraine had already been hit.

Previous Attacks on Lutsk

Lutsk had previously come under fire in June, leaving five people injured. In July, President Zelenskyy identified Lutsk as a primary target of the assault.

'An explosion was heard. I urge everyone to remain in shelters until the official all-clear signal. Essential life-support systems have backup power.' - Bohdan Stanislavskyi

The attacks on May 13 underscore Russia's continued aggressive military operations, particularly the use of drones and cruise missiles, which endanger civilian safety in Ukraine. The rising frequency of strikes across various regions highlights the urgent need to bolster air defense systems and enhance local authorities' emergency response readiness.

As the situation escalates, it's crucial to understand the broader context of these attacks. In a recent report, Ukraine's air defense successfully intercepted numerous threats during a significant Russian barrage, resulting in civilian casualties. For a detailed account of this defensive operation and its impact on the ongoing conflict, read more about the recent interceptions and their implications.