Russia Intensifies Ukraine Attacks, Targeting Lviv UNESCO Site
Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukraine, with a significant drone assault targeting the western city of Lviv on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, damaging a UNESCO World Heritage site. The attacks, which utilized a combination of drones and missiles, have resulted in casualties and infrastructure damage across multiple regions of Ukraine and neighboring Moldova.
Lviv UNESCO Site Damaged
The 17th-century St. Andrew’s Church, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site in Lviv, sustained damage during the Russian attack, as confirmed by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko [Reuters]. The attack caused a fire in the upper floors of residential buildings within the grounds of the Church of St. Andrew and the historic Bernardine Monastery, according to Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi [efe.com]. At least 22 people were injured in Lviv as a result of the strikes [efe.com].
Widespread Attacks Across Ukraine
The attacks were not limited to Lviv. Ukrainian authorities reported at least six deaths and around 50 injuries across the country following a 24-hour period of intense bombardment involving nearly 1,000 drones and 34 missiles. A rare daytime drone attack on Tuesday killed at least three people and wounded 30, setting a building in the center of Lviv ablaze [The Independent]. More than 400 drones were launched in the daytime assault, a departure from Russia’s usual tactic of nighttime attacks [The Independent].
Regional authorities reported damage to critical infrastructure and private residences in multiple provinces. A rocket attack on the Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine, disrupted electricity, water, and heat supplies [efe.com].
International Response and Concerns
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga condemned the attack on Lviv as a brutal assault on a city of outstanding cultural value and urged UNESCO Director-General Khaled al-Anani to respond immediately [efe.com]. Sibiga accused Russia of acting like the Iranian regime, labeling Russia a “terrorist state” [efe.com].
President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for increased air defense munitions from allies, noting that the geopolitical situation, including the war in Iran, may be bolstering Russia’s confidence [The Independent].
Impact on Neighboring Countries
The attacks have also had repercussions for neighboring Moldova, which was urged to conserve electricity after Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power grid impacted a key transmission line between Moldova and Romania [efe.com].
Further Attacks Reported
Reports indicate that 56 drones were shot down north of Moscow, and a fire broke out at a gas facility in the Baltic Sea port of Ustyluga following an airstrike [efe.com].