Kinzhal Missiles, Shaheds Rain Down on Ukraine’s Western Cities, 1 Dead, Over Dozen Wounded

Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine on Aug. 21, using Shahed drones, Kalibr cruise missiles, and Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles.

Starting in the evening of Aug. 20, groups of Shahed drones were launched from multiple directions. While Kyiv was initially believed to be the main target, the Ukrainian Air Force later clarified that drones were heading in various directions.

Around midnight, Kyiv Post correspondents across the capital reported hearing explosions and air defense activity. Local media also reported explosions in Chernihiv, near the Russian border.

At around 3 a.m., several Russian MiG-31K aircraft took off, followed by launches of Kinzhal missiles toward the Rivne region, according to the Air Force. Monitoring channels also reported Kalibr cruise missile launches from the Black Sea.

This time, Russia’s main targets were western regions. Explosions were reported in Rivne, Lviv, Lutsk (Volyn region), and Mukachevo (Zakarpattia region).

Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi confirmed three explosions in the city. Later, Maksym Kozytskyi, head of the Lviv OVA, reported in a post on Telegram:

“According to preliminary information, as a result of the combined strike involving UAVs and cruise missiles, one person was killed and two were injured. Dozens of residential buildings sustained damage.”

Emergency and utility services are currently working at the scene.

In Mukachevo, local authorities reported that a missile struck an enterprise. Rescue services are at the scene, and residents were urged to keep windows closed due to air pollution from the strike.

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The Ukrainian leader said Russia’s war must carry a growing cost for both the Kremlin and ordinary Russians.

“We ask everyone to close their windows tightly and not go outside unless absolutely necessary,” the city council stated.

By 7:15 a.m., at least 12 people were confirmed injured. Ten were taken to St. Martin’s Hospital by ambulance, while two others sought help on their own. Five patients remain hospitalized, one of whom was transferred to a regional hospital. All are reported to be in stable condition.

In addition, Russian forces struck Zaporizhzhia twice, damaging homes and industrial facilities, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov. No casualties were reported.

Later, the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, wrote on Telegram, sharing a photo:

“Russia carried out an attack on Lviv - used Shaheds and rockets. One person was killed. Many civilian houses were damaged. Putin talks about peace but does not take a single step to achieve it.”

According to Yermak, the Russian president is instead stalling for time and continuing the war.

“Instead of real solutions, there are attacks on civilians. There is no logic in this – only the desire to kill. We are working with partners to stop the killings,” he added.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more details emerge.