What began as another tense night in Ukraine quickly spiraled into one of the most intense and devastating attacks of the war so far.
NATO forces had to scramble into action after Russia launched a brutal combination of drone and bomber strikes that battered Ukraine’s western regions—and left both military and civilian targets in ruins.
Western Ukraine Suffers Massive Overnight Attack
According to initial reports, the Russian military fired off an estimated 30 missiles and nearly 700 military drones, in what’s being called the most violent bombardment of the war.
Cities like Lviv, Lutsk, and Chernivtsi were all hit overnight, with rescue workers seen combing through burned vehicles and shattered buildings as morning broke.
In Chernivtsi, near the Romanian border, at least two civilians were confirmed dead—a 26-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man.
At least 18 others were injured, with fears the toll could rise as hospitals continued treating the wounded.
Russia Uses Strategic Bombers in Escalating Air Assault
Russian President Vladimir Putin didn’t hold back on the scale or the symbolism of this latest strike.
Moscow deployed its nuclear-capable Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers—aircraft typically used for high-level strategic operations—to rain down destruction across western Ukraine.
Adding to the international concern, Poland and NATO allies responded swiftly.
According to the Polish Armed Forces, fighter jets were scrambled and air defense systems placed on high alert in response to the wave of attacks moving dangerously close to the alliance’s borders.
Cities in Chaos as Civilian Targets Are Hit Again
In Lviv, Russian drones and missiles struck residential neighborhoods and a kindergarten.
The mayor, Andriy Sadovyi, confirmed multiple explosions across several districts.
Meanwhile, a major blow was dealt to the Electron Corporation, which produces trams and buses.
Lutsk also came under heavy fire, with homes suffering extensive damage.
Meanwhile in Kharkiv, more drones and bombs rained down, killing pets and damaging abandoned industrial sites.
Over in Odesa, a military recruitment center was targeted six times by drones in just one day.
Zelensky Confirms Massive Attack and Pleads for Action
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared that a staggering 597 drones and 26 missiles had been launched in this most recent wave.
He praised the country’s air defense teams for neutralizing most of them but acknowledged that civilian areas had been hit hard.
“Unfortunately, there were hits on civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings,” Zelensky said, confirming the fatalities in Chernivtsi and offering condolences to the victims’ families.
He urged for immediate international action—particularly sanctions targeting countries helping Russia produce drones and profit from oil.
He also pushed for more interceptor drones and air defense systems, calling on Western allies to offer not just words, but real support that can save lives.
Trump Expected to Make Announcement as U.S. Resumes Aid
Amid the chaos, Donald Trump is expected to make a major statement on Monday, possibly tied to new sanctions on Russia.
This comes just as the U.S. ramps up its military support to Ukraine after a period of reduced aid.
Some analysts believe this new aid—and Trump’s announcement—may have prompted Putin to strike preemptively in an attempt to demonstrate dominance before policy shifts in Washington.
Harrowing Scenes Show Sick Orphans Fleeing Bomb Shelter
One of the most heartbreaking moments of the week came not from the battlefield, but from a children’s hospice.
Footage emerged showing terminally ill orphans being evacuated during a Russian drone attack in Chernivtsi.
Nurses were seen cradling frail, confused children in their arms as explosions rang out nearby.
The children were rushed into a bomb shelter inside the Butterfly House, Ukraine’s largest palliative care center for children.
The video, reportedly filmed overnight on July 9 or 10, has now gone viral as a painful reminder of the human toll of this war.
The shelter had once been considered safe after the children were relocated there from Kryvyi Rih, President Zelensky’s hometown, but even this refuge was shaken by nearby strikes.
NATO Scrambles While Russia Doubles Down
This sudden escalation from Russia has rattled NATO.
While Polish officials confirmed their forces responded immediately, they did not disclose which other NATO countries joined the operation.
What is clear is that radar systems and defense infrastructure were moved to full readiness.
It’s also notable that this is the second such NATO alert in just a few days, indicating a pattern in Russia’s increasingly aggressive aerial campaign.
Putin Signals He’s Not Backing Down
With Putin leaning into more strategic, large-scale attacks—paired with the use of nuclear-capable bombers—it’s clear that he believes he holds a stronger hand in the war now.
But for Ukraine, the message is equally clear: they can’t afford to stand still. And for the rest of the world, the urgency of acting quickly—through sanctions, defense systems, and unified support—has never been greater.