The March 24 Attack: How Russia Tried to Exhaust Ukraine and Hit Vinnytsia

Elisabeth Humeniuk

On March 24, Russia carried out one of the largest air attacks in recent months, deploying nearly 1,000 Shahed strike drones and 34 missiles of various types. This was a simultaneous assault on multiple regions of Ukraine, aimed not only at physical destruction but also at straining Ukraine’s air defense systems. The sheer volume of targets forced air defense operators to work at the limit of their capabilities, making split-second decisions under extreme pressure.

Despite the heroic efforts of Ukraine’s air defenses, some drones reached their targets. One of the affected cities was Vinnytsia – a regional center in central Ukraine, long considered relatively safe from active combat operations.

Air raid sirens sounded in Vinnytsia at 12:37. By 13:30, the Ukrainian Air Force reported drone attacks in the southern part of Vinnytsia region. At 14:23, officials confirmed a large number of drones in the western area. At 15:30, further alerts reported new enemy targets in the south.

Around 16:49, one of the drones struck Vinnytsia itself. By 16:53, residents heard a massive explosion, and thick smoke rose over the city. In total, at least six explosions were reported. The attack deliberately targeted densely populated areas to create chaos and spread fear among civilians, including families with children.

Initial reports showed extensive damage to residential buildings. Dozens of structures were affected — apartment blocks and private houses alike. Windows were shattered, walls collapsed, and some roofs caved in. For residents, the attack was not only a physical destruction of property but also a psychological shock.

One man, 59, was killed. Over a dozen people were injured, some critically. The wounded were taken to hospitals, where medical teams worked tirelessly to provide life-saving care. Some victims required surgery for shrapnel injuries, while others received psychological support.

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Emergency services from the State Emergency Service (DSNS) responded immediately: extinguishing fires, clearing debris, and inspecting damaged buildings. DSNS psychologists also helped people experiencing acute stress:

“The city center was crowded, including many young people and children. Naturally, the mobile response team included DSNS psychologists. They provided immediate support to people experiencing acute stress reactions, ensuring that this situation would not leave a lasting impact on their mental and emotional health.”

Residents described the chaos and fear in the first minutes after the explosions:

“I saw a woman searching for her child who got separated in panic – I was so scared. One woman even lay on the ground covering her child,” said a Vinnytsia resident.

Beyond the physical destruction, the attack had a strategic effect: it strained air defense resources, applied constant psychological pressure on civilians, and tested Ukraine’s ability to respond rapidly to massed attacks. Every new strike forces rescuers, medical teams, and volunteers to operate at the edge of their limits.

According to regional authorities, critical infrastructure was partially damaged, including transformer stations, gas and water networks, creating temporary disruptions for residents. Local authorities organized evacuation corridors, shelters, and humanitarian aid for those affected.

After initial reports of the attack’s consequences, traffic restrictions were imposed in the city. At 17:37, the Kyiv Bridge toward the city center was closed. The all-clear siren sounded at 17:55.

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This attack was one of the most massive Vinnytsia has faced since the full-scale war began. It once again demonstrated how vulnerable even regions far from active combat remain. Behind every statistic lie human stories – fear, loss, and the heroic efforts of people who continue to work, save lives, and support one another.

For the residents of Vinnytsia, this day was another stark reminder: war has no rear, and Ukrainians must fight not only against physical threats but also against relentless psychological and strategic pressure from the aggressor.

Elisabeth Humeniuk, from Ukraine, Journalists of i-vin.info

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