On the night of March 19, 2025, Kropyvnytskyi, a city in Ukraine, was the target of a coordinated and intense drone assault by Russian forces. This attack marks a significant escalation in hostilities within the ongoing conflict, with local authorities reporting a series of over 30 explosions resonating throughout the city.
Andriy Raikovych, head of the Kirovohrad Regional Military Administration, confirmed that residential neighborhoods, particularly the areas of Novonikolaevka and Balashovka, were specifically targeted in this assault. Eyewitness accounts described the situation as unprecedented, suggesting that this could be the most substantial air attack experienced by Kropyvnytskyi since the beginning of the full-scale war. Local resident Bohdan recounted, “They’re hitting the city directly. The sounds of explosions are relentless, like a motorcycle race.”
The drone strikes, which were launched by Russian forces using Shahed drones, began in the evening and reportedly caused significant damage to the city’s infrastructure. As the explosions echoed in the night, residents were urged to remain calm and seek shelter. Raikovych reassured the public, stating, “I ask everyone not to panic and to be as safe as possible. All services are operational.” For those who sustained injuries, Raikovych indicated that the city’s hospitals were prepared to receive patients, although specific details regarding casualties had not yet been confirmed.
Currently, an air raid alert is active across the Kirovohrad region, a common occurrence since the initiation of targeted strikes against Ukraine, which began on October 10, 2022. Nonetheless, this recent escalation appears particularly alarming due to its intensity and the rapid succession of explosions.
Due to the damage inflicted during the attacks, the situation has disrupted transportation across the region. The Ukrainian rail company, Uzhzhaliznytsia, announced significant alterations to train routes, affecting services such as trains #53 from Dnipro to Odesa and #7 from Kharkiv to Odesa, with delays anticipated to exceed three hours. Train #790 from Kropyvnytskyi to Kyiv, in particular, will only depart after a thorough inspection of the impacted railway infrastructure. During this chaotically unsafe period, passengers and crews were advised to remain sheltered until conditions could be reassessed.
Authorities emphasized the urgent need for individuals to adhere to safety protocols during these air raids. Recommendations included finding shelters or utilizing the “two-wall rule,” which mandates that individuals stay behind two barriers from the street should they be indoors. Despite the warning, the atmosphere in Kropyvnytskyi remains tense as inhabitants grapple with the reality of living under continuous threat.
This air attack is seen within the broader context of ongoing hostilities, which have resulted in daily air raid alerts across various regions of Ukraine. An unsettling frequency of unrest underscores the heightened state of alert and the persistent threat to civilian safety.
Kropyvnytskyi’s resilience is now being put to the test as this latest assault adds to the continuous hardship faced by its residents. Amid the destruction and disruption, there is a strong emphasis on community support and communication, with local officials working diligently to restore order and ensure public safety.
The attacks have raised concerns not only about immediate physical safety but also about the psychological impact on residents who have endured such incidents over years of conflict. As the war continues, the emphasis on securing not just physical safety but also mental well-being remains a matter of urgent concern for community leaders.
The response from international observers, political leaders, and humanitarian organizations is expected to evolve in light of this recent escalation, highlighting the ongoing plight of Ukrainian civilians and the desperate need for comprehensive support. As the situation develops, updates regarding damages, casualties, and overall security will remain critical for Kropyvnytskyi and surrounding areas.
This air strike serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those at the frontlines of the conflict and the need for sustained efforts towards peace and resolution in the region, something many hope will come soon, but remains uncertain. For now, the people of Kropyvnytskyi brace for what lies ahead, grappling with the realities of their daily lives amidst the chaos of war.
