Sat Jul 12 15:15:59 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewrite as a news article from the perspective of “The Hindu” newspaper:
**Summary:**
The article reports on a large-scale Russian aerial attack on Ukraine on July 12, 2025, involving over 620 drones and missiles. Ukrainian officials claim to have intercepted many of these, but strikes resulted in casualties and damage in multiple cities, including Lviv, Chernvtsy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv. Ukraine is calling for further sanctions against Russia. The attacks come amid stalled ceasefire talks and a U.S.-led peace effort that is faltering. Russia claims the attacks targeted Ukraine’s military-industrial complex. The article also mentions retaliatory Ukrainian attacks on Russia and the Kremlin’s opposition to a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
**News Article (The Hindu Perspective):**
**Russia Unleashes Massive Aerial Assault on Ukraine, Raising Sanctions Call**
**Kyiv, July 12, 2025 (The Hindu) -** A massive Russian aerial assault, involving over 620 drones and long-range missiles, struck multiple Ukrainian cities overnight, resulting in casualties and renewed calls for international sanctions against Moscow. Ukrainian officials reported intercepting a significant portion of the incoming ordnance, but the strikes still inflicted damage and loss of life in regions across the country.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the barrage included 597 attack drones, many of which were identified as Iranian-made “Shaheds,” and 26 cruise missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force claims to have downed 319 drones and 25 missiles, but confirmed strikes on five locations.
Cities far from the eastern and southern frontlines, such as Chernvtsy and Lviv in western Ukraine, were among those hit. At least two people were reported killed and 20 wounded in Chernvtsy, while Lviv saw six injuries. Further east, Dnipropetrovsk reported two deaths and Kharkiv three injuries.
“These attacks are a clear escalation and a deliberate assault on civilian infrastructure,” said a statement from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, calling for immediate and comprehensive sanctions targeting Russia’s ability to produce and deploy such weaponry.
The Russian Defence Ministry claimed the attacks targeted Ukraine’s military-industrial complex in Lviv, Kharkiv, and Lutsk, as well as a military aerodrome. This justification echoes previous Russian statements regarding the objectives of its military campaign.
The escalating aerial attacks come against a backdrop of stalled ceasefire negotiations and a struggling U.S.-led peace initiative. Special envoy Keith Kellogg is scheduled to visit Ukraine on Monday, but hopes for a breakthrough remain low. The Kremlin has reiterated its opposition to a European peacekeeping force, further complicating the path towards a resolution.
On Friday, Ukrainian forces reportedly launched retaliatory attacks on Russian territory, resulting in three deaths.
The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation. The international community faces mounting pressure to find a viable path towards de-escalation and a lasting peace settlement. The attacks will certainly fuel discussions on providing further defensive aid to Ukraine and strengthening the international sanctions regime against Russia. The long-term humanitarian and geopolitical consequences of the conflict continue to deepen, demanding urgent and concerted action.
First Piper 