Russian drones attack western Ukraine's Khmelnytskyi, Lutsk, damage Nova Post terminal

Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Russia attacked western Ukraine's cities of Khmelnyskyi and Lutsk overnight on April 1, damaging residential buildings and commercial sites, including a Nova Post terminal, authorities and media reported.

Russia launched 339 drones at Ukraine overnight, including around 200 Shahed-type long-range drones, the Air Force said. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 298 of the drones. At least 20 drones evaded defenses and struck 11 locations. The fall of debris was recorded at five locations, according to the Air Force.

Air raid alerts were issued in much of Ukraine, including Kyiv and the western Ukrainian cities.

Several explosions were later heard in the northwestern city of Lutsk, Volyn Oblast, Suspilne reported at 5:42 a.m. and 6:19 a.m. local time.

A commercial site was damaged in the Russian aerial attack, and a residential building was damaged by drone debris, the Lutsk city council reported afterwards.

A terminal of Ukraine's leading private courier and postal service, Nova Post, was also hit in the attack on Lutsk, the company said. All employees were in shelters at the time of the strike and did not suffer injuries.

"Assessment of the damage is ongoing. Detailed information regarding damaged cargo will be determined after the aftermath of the strike has been cleared. Police and the State Emergency Service are currently on the scene," Nova Post said.

Air defenses were also engaged in Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Khmelnyskyi Oblast Governor Serhii Tyurin said in a Telegram post.

"As a result of a hostile attack, a fire broke out at one of the enterprises in the regional center. Currently, it is being contained by units of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine," Tyurin wrote.

Ukraine's State Emergency Service  reported that there are currently no figures on injuries or casualties in both Lutsk and Khmelnytskyi.

Russia regularly strikes Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings and energy infrastructure, as it continues to wage its war.

At least one person was killed and 39 injured in Russian attacks over the previous day, March 31, local authorities said.

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