Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack on cities distant from the front line

Russia launched a wave of missiles and drones targeting cities in western Ukraine, far from the front line, on Aug. 21, killing at least one and injuring 22. The attack happened to be one of the largest of the war involving over 600 drones and missiles, with Ukraine’s air defenses downing 577 targets.

Kyiv experienced a significant Russian drone attack, with Kyiv Post correspondents reporting powerful explosions rocking the capital. Russia launched approximately 130 drones targeting Ukraine, with air defenses actively engaging the threats. Residents were forced to take shelter in metro stations as Russian Shahed drones struck, part of a broader pattern of intensified nighttime assaults aimed at civilian infrastructure. While specific casualty or damage details for this night in Kyiv are not fully detailed in the sources, the attack aligns with Russia’s recent tactic of deploying large drone swarms to overwhelm air defenses, causing widespread disruption and fear among residents.

Sumy oblast, In Okhtyrka, located in the Sumy region, the overnight Russian drone strike injured 14 people, including a family with three children aged 5 months, 4 years, and 6 years, who sought medical assistance after the attack. The assault targeted civilian areas, contributing to the psychological and physical toll on residents. No specific fatalities were reported in this incident, but the attack reflects Russia’s strategy of using Shahed drones to terrorize and destabilize regions far from the front lines, exhausting local air defenses. This event was part of a broader wave of drone attacks across Ukraine, with significant disruption to civilian life.

Lviv: the Western city was exposed to the drone and missile strikes that damaged dozens of houses, as reported by local sources. he strikes caused significant property damage, though specific casualty figures for Lviv on this night were not detailed in the sources. The assault targeted civilian infrastructure, continuing Russia’s pattern of hitting western Ukrainian cities previously considered safer, disrupting daily life and straining emergency response efforts.

Mukachevo (Zakarpattia region): A Russian drone and missile attack targeted the facility that belongs to the US enterprise, resulting in heavy smoke and at least 12 injuries. Residents were urged not to open windows due to the fire and smoke, indicating significant environmental and safety concerns. This incident highlights the broadening scope of Russian strikes, targeting even western regions like Zakarpattia, which had been less frequently hit earlier in the conflict.

Kostiantynivka (Donetsk oblast): Russian forces droppedglide bombs on a residential area in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, damaging five apartment buildings. At least three people remained trapped under the rubble, with ongoing rescue efforts reported.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov claims Putin is ready to meet Zelenskyy if issues are "well worked out"

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Aug. 19 that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is prepared to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — but only if all issues requiring discussion at the highest level are thoroughly prepared in advance, Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti reported.

“Putin is ready to meet with Zelenskyy only if all issues that need to be discussed at the highest level are well worked out,” Lavrov said, adding that Russia still supports the “principles of security guarantees” outlined in the 2022 Istanbul talks. He dismissed any other proposals as “futile.”

Lavrov accused Kyiv of attempting to derail alleged peace efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump and rejected what he called European proposals for foreign intervention in Ukraine as “absolutely unacceptable for Moscow.”

The Russian foreign minister further mocked Zelenskyy’s calls for a summit with Putin as an act of political theater, comparing it to “Kvartal 95 tricks,” a reference to the entertainment company Zelenskyy co-founded before his presidency.

Lavrov also cast doubt on the legitimacy of any future agreements signed by Ukraine, saying, “When and if it comes to signing future agreements with Ukraine, the question will arise about the legitimacy of the signatories from the Ukrainian side.”

Ukraine to mass-produce long-range Flamingo missile in winter- Zelensky

Ukraine is preparing to launch mass production of its domestically developed Flamingo long-range cruise missile this winter, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Aug. 20 during a meeting with journalists.

Zelensky said the Flamingo had successfully passed testing and described it as “the most successful” missile in Ukraine’s arsenal, claiming it can reach targets up to 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) away. “By December, we’ll have more of them. And by the end of December or in January–February, mass production should begin,” he added.

The missile is being developed by the Ukrainian defense firm Fire Point, which is currently producing one Flamingo per day, according to company head of production Iryna Terekh. She told the Associated Press that output is expected to increase to seven per day by October.

The Flamingo was first publicly revealed on Aug. 17, when AP photojournalist Efrem Lukatsky published an image of the missile.

Ukraine sees domestically produced long-range weapons as critical to its defense strategy amid slow Western weapons deliveries and restrictions on the use of foreign-provided systems against Russian territory.

Zelensky announced in November 2024 that Ukraine had already produced its first 100 missiles. By April 2025, he reported that more than 40% of weapons on the front line were domestically produced, including over 95% of drones. In June, Ukrainian media reported that the short-range Sapsan ballistic missile had successfully completed combat testing and entered serial production. Ukraine has also developed the hybrid Palianytsia missile-drone system.