Russia launched a nighttime attack on Ukraine with 133 drones, targeting infrastructure near the Polish border and resulting in casualties and widespread damage.
Russian Drone Attack on Ukraine
Ukrainian Air Force reported Russia attacked with 133 drones, including Shahed, Gerber, and Italmas types, during the night of Wednesday to Thursday, March 19th. Air defenses reportedly intercepted or neutralized 109 drones across northern, southern, western, and eastern Ukraine.
Twenty drones struck 11 locations, and debris from intercepted drones fell in seven locations, according to the Ukrainian military.
Attack Near Polish Border
Russia targeted energy infrastructure near Novovolynsk, Ukraine, located relatively close to the Lublin Voivodeship in Poland. The mayor of Novovolynsk, Borys Karpus, reported “very serious destruction” and an ongoing fire, with emergency services responding.
Power and water outages are possible in the area, Karpus added, and efforts to address the aftermath of the attack are ongoing.
Drone Strikes on SBU Headquarters and Lviv
The Main Directorate of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in Lviv Oblast was also attacked by a drone, resulting in damage, according to Maksym Kozytskyi, head of the Lviv Regional Administration.
Strikes also occurred within Lviv city itself, where drone fragments were found. Kozytskyi warned residents not to approach any such finds, as they may be explosive.
Casualties Reported in Multiple Regions
The Dnipropetrovsk region was also targeted, with two people injured. Oleksandr Hanza of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Administration reported attacks on Mezhivska and Mykolaiv, damaging a private home and injuring a 57-year-old woman.
A 56-year-old woman sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized in critical condition. A fire broke out in the Zelenodolsk community, causing damage, and homes and farm buildings were damaged in the Nikopol district.
Kharkiv Attack Results in Death and Injuries
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported drone attacks in the Kholodnohirska district, resulting in one confirmed fatality and one injury. Later, Terekhov stated another person sought medical attention.
Shifting Targets: From Military Equipment to Civilians
A drone operator from the Kraken 1654 unit stated that the focus of attacks has shifted from military equipment to civilians, with each action being tallied like a score in a computer game.