A Russian strike on a high-rise building in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv killed at least 20 people and injured dozens more on November 19, 2023, according to ukrainian officials. The attack, which targeted a residential building, represents a significant escalation in strikes targeting civilian infrastructure far from the front lines.BBC Verify is reporting on the unfolding situation in Lviv, investigating the extent of the damage and verifying reports of casualties. The strike underscores the continued threat to Ukrainian civilians despite ongoing international efforts to de-escalate the conflict and secure a lasting peace. rescue operations are underway, and authorities anticipate the death toll may rise as debris is cleared.
Footage circulating online, including a live stream, showed men grabbing handbags from pews amidst the chaos following the attack. while the origin of this footage is unclear, it highlights the widespread panic and disruption caused by the strike. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a “brutal” act of aggression,vowing to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
