The July 12 strike marked the first time the city of Chernivtsi—a historically significant urban center near Romania and Moldova—was hit since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Two residents were killed, 14 wounded, and buildings including homes and educational institutions were damaged. In Slovyansk, a third civilian was killed by shelling.

According to Ukrainian Air Defense Forces, 25 cruise missiles and 319 drones were intercepted, while another 258 drones were jammed. However, 20 drones and a missile struck various targets across five locations, with falling debris recorded in 19 additional areas.

Russia's defense ministry claimed the attacks were aimed at defense industry enterprises, military airfields, and recruitment centers across Ukraine. However, widespread damage to civilian areas has drawn condemnation and renewed calls for increased Western military support.

Zelenskiy Demands Western Action

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the scale of the assault as unprecedented and warned that Russia’s increasing drone capacity now enables daily launches of over 500 UAVs. “The pace of Russia’s aerial strikes demands swift decisions,” he posted on X, calling for more sanctions, air defense systems, and interceptor drones.

The United Nations recently reported that June saw the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine in three years, with 232 killed and 1,343 injured. The latest strike is likely to further worsen that toll.

Zelenskiy confirmed that U.S. military aid shipments had resumed after a temporary halt, and that Ukrainian forces were working closely with American counterparts to bolster frontline and urban defenses.