Russia massively attack Ukraine: major cities of Kharkiv, Odesa, Lviv reportedly hit with rockets and drones

During the night of December 29, Russian forces launched several groups of attack drones at Ukraine, and in the early morning, they fired missiles. 

The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine informed of the attack, Rubryka reports.

Attack on Western Regions of Ukraine

Around 3:10, it became known that Shahed drones had reached the western regions of Ukraine. Residents of Lviv, Volyn, Rivne, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi regions, particularly in the city of Starokostiantyniv, were warned of the threat.

Maksym Kozytskyi, the head of the Lviv Regional Military Administration, reported the activation of air defense systems in the Yavoriv district after 4:15. The Ukrainian national broadcaster Suspilne said explosions in Lviv closer to 4:45. The Regional Military Administration confirmed the operation of air defense systems.

Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi stated there were two incoming strikes. Later, he added that, according to initial information, over ten Shahed drones attacked Lviv. The attack resulted in a fire at a critical infrastructure facility in Lviv. Sadovyi mentioned that there was no information about casualties at that point, and emergency services were on-site.

Consequences of Shahed Debris Falling in Odesa

At 23:11, "another group of attack UAVs from the Black Sea waters was heading toward the Odesa region (Chornomorsk, Odesa)." "Debris from a downed drone damaged a multi-story building in Odesa, causing a fire," said Oleh Kiper, the head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration. He added that specialists were working at the scene, and information about casualties was being clarified.

Russian Strikes on Konotop in Sumy Region

Early on December 29, Russian forces reportedly launched a missile strike on Konotop, according to the Sumy Regional Military Administration. As a result of the shelling, three people were injured, a multi-story building and an auto service station were damaged, and a car caught fire. "All necessary services are working on-site. Information is being clarified," said the Regional Military Administration.

Rocket attack on Kharkiv

After 5 a.m., Russia launched rockets. Explosions were heard in Kharkiv and near Cherkasy, as reported by Suspilne. "Kharkiv is under massive rocket attack. At least six explosions were heard in the city," said Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

Later, Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, reported that Russian occupiers struck Kharkiv about ten times. As of 06:15, there was no information about casualties. Terekhov added that, according to preliminary data, the Russians shelled Kharkiv with two types of missiles — S-300 and Kh-22. Around 7 a.m., Russians attacked Kharkiv with rockets again. According to the mayor, four explosions were heard in the city.

Explosions in Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia

Around 7 a.m., an explosion was heard in Dnipro, as reported by Suspilne. The Air Force said Russians are using ballistic missiles. Earlier, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the flight of cruise missiles through the Zaporizhzhia region toward the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Later, Suspilne reported repeated explosions in Dnipro. Serhii Lysak, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, confirmed information about explosions in the city. Additionally, at 07:27, Suspilne reported explosions in Zaporizhzhia.

Air Defense in Kyiv

"Explosions in Kyiv. Air defense is operational. Stay in shelters!" said Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klychko. It was the third air raid alarm in Kyiv that night, with sirens last sounding at 6:47. The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine warned of the threat of missile strikes.

After 7:50, repeated explosions were heard in Kyiv. The mayor stated that the air defense was working intensively in the city. The Russian attack with cruise missiles continues throughout the country, posing a danger.

During the night of December 28, Russian forces carried out another air attack on the territory of Ukraine using the Shahed attack drones. The Ukrainian air defense destroyed seven UAVs. On the night of December 27, the Russians attacked Ukraine with 46 Shahed attack drones, with anti-air defense actively working in eight regions of the country, bringing down 32 attack drones.