Moscow justifies missile barrage by targeting 'defense factories' in Ukraine

Russian forces claimed to have carried out a coordinated strike with long-range precision missiles and drones on Ukrainian "military-industrial complex enterprises" in Lviv, Kharkiv, and Lutsk, as well as on the infrastructure of a "military airfield."

The aggressor country’s Defense Ministry cynically stated that all designated targets were reportedly hit.

"Operational-tactical aviation, strike UAVs, missile troops, and artillery of the Russian Armed Forces groups struck territorial recruitment centers, as well as temporary deployment points of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and foreign mercenary formations in 133 districts," the statement reads.

However, as is actually known, these attacks destroyed and damaged residential buildings, educational institutions, shopping centers, and civilian infrastructure.

Attack on Ukraine on July 12

The night attack by Russia was one of the largest in recent times. Russia used more than 600 aerial weapons — Kh-101 cruise missiles and Shahed kamikaze drones.

Shockwaves swept through several regions of Ukraine, including Lviv, Kharkiv, Lutsk, Chernivtsi, Sloviansk, and other cities.

The strikes targeted not only military infrastructure but also civilian buildings, confirming the systematic nature of Russia’s war crimes.

Attacks were also recorded in western regions. In Lviv, a drone destroyed the entrance of a residential building, causing a gas leak. In Lutsk, a private home was completely destroyed, and other structures were damaged. Emergency responders are still working to eliminate the consequences of the shelling.

For more details on the night attack, see the RBC-Ukraine report.