On September 12, a coordinated drone assault by Russian forces struck various cities and towns across western Ukraine between 6:30 AM and 6:00 PM. Ukrainian air defense systems neutralized or destroyed a total of 336 drones, including 23 jet drones. Reports indicated that 21 drones managed to hit their targets.
The attacks affected several regions, notably Volyn, Rivne, and Zhytomyr, with explosions reported in multiple areas. Tragically, two individuals lost their lives in Zhytomyr due to the drone strikes, while one woman sustained injuries. Civilian infrastructure, including a private enterprise and roadway surfaces on an international highway, was damaged.
At around 4:00 PM, a drone strike targeted a grocery store in Zvyagel, leading to two fatalities and injuries to a 32-year-old woman. Additionally, two gas stations, cars, and dry vegetation caught fire during the onslaught, all of which firefighters successfully extinguished.
Approximately 20 Shahed drones targeted Volyn, according to Roman Romaniuk, acting head of the Volyn Regional Military Administration. A passenger train in Lutsk was also hit during the attacks.
In the Kovel community, several drones struck critical infrastructure, resulting in injuries to five people, and significant destruction was reported in the village of Zarichchia.
Rivne region also experienced drone strikes, with information from local officials indicating attacks on gas stations and an enterprise in the Sarny district. Dubbing and parts of the Rivne district were left without power due to the assaults.
As of 6:00 PM, approximately 55 strike drones remained operational in the airspace, indicating that new groups continued to enter the area.
Context
- Andriy Kovalенко, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, remarked on the September 12 attacks, stating that Russian strikes against train stations and civilian targets serve more of a terrorist and propaganda goal rather than a strictly military purpose. He suggested that Russia aims to create a “picture” for its population ahead of upcoming elections.
