Daytime Russian drone swarm hits western Ukraine, knocking Ternopil offline and injuring 10

Ukraine’s western, central and southern regions came under a large-scale Russian drone attack during the day on 1 May, with authorities reporting strikes, air defence activity, and infrastructure damage across multiple oblasts.

The attack was one of the largest recent drone assaults, with particularly heavy pressure on western regions of Ukraine far from the frontlines, where multiple cities reported impacts, damage, and prolonged air raid activity.

According to the Air Force of Ukraine, Russia launched 409 drones of various types, including about 250 Shahed-type UAVs, from multiple directions. Air raid alerts and interceptions were reported across western, central, and southern Ukraine.

Ternopil hit in largest wave of attacks

In Ternopil, local authorities reported one of the heaviest strikes of the day. Mayor Serhii Nadal said more than 50 drones were detected over the city, with 27 shot down by air defence forces. Nine drones struck civilian infrastructure.

The head of the Ternopil Oblast Military Administration, Taras Pastukh, said the attack left parts of the city without electricity, including several residential districts. Ten people were injured, with most in moderate or light condition. One previously critical patient is now reported to be improving.

Widespread damage across the country

In Rivne, Governor Oleksandr Koval said a residential building was damaged after debris from a downed drone caused a fire covering around 100 square metres of roof space.

In Vinnytsia Oblast, Governor Nataliia Zabolotna reported that a private house was destroyed, and a woman was hospitalized with injuries. Air defence activity was reported during the attack wave, with dozens of drones recorded in the region.

In Cherkasy Oblast, Governor Ihor Taburets said drone debris damaged a kindergarten and several private homes in the Zolotonosha district. Children and staff were in shelters at the time, and no injuries were reported.

In Zhytomyr Oblast, Governor Vitalii Bunechko reported damage to non-residential buildings as well as sports and educational infrastructure following a wave of drone strikes.

The head of the Odesa Oblast Military Administration, Oleh Kiper, said a shopping centre roof in the Odesa district was damaged during a daytime strike, triggering a fire that was later extinguished. No casualties were reported.