Russia unleashed a massive overnight drone and missile assault on western Ukraine on Aug. 21, killing at least one civilian and injuring 14, in a brazen attack that came just days after peace talks in Washington. Explosions rocked cities far from the front line, including Lviv, Lutsk, Rivne, and Mukachevo, where a major electronics plant employing 800 people was set ablaze. Twelve civilians were hospitalized in Mukachevo alone. Air raid sirens sounded across Ukraine as Russian MiG-31 jets capable of firing Kinzhal missiles took off, triggering panic. Air defenses intercepted several drones, but multiple strikes caused fires and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The attack highlights Russia’s continued bombardment of civilians even as President Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly discuss peace. Since Trump’s Aug. 15 meeting with Putin, Russian strikes have already killed 31 civilians and injured 145 more.
