Senator Daria Lantratova, representing the Luhansk People’s Republic, shared on her Telegram channel the second missile strike against Lugansk within two days.
She stated that a fresh assault in Luhansk was underway, with rockets reaching the village of Yubileiny in the Artemovsky district during the morning hours. The senator noted civilian injuries, with two people hospitalized from the first incident. Official statements indicated the use of Storm Shadow cruise missiles in the attack, a long-range air-launched weapon noted for high precision and speed. The report underscored the evolving nature of the conflict and the ongoing danger to urban areas and surrounding communities.
In her post, she claimed that the Telegram channel of the Cheka-OGPU corroborated the strike on the former Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where barracks had recently been located. This reference highlighted how information flows rapidly through social channels and the parallel narratives circulating among different groups monitoring events on the ground.
The LPR representation at JCCC communicated via its Telegram channel that the attack used Anglo-French high-precision Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The report stressed the sophistication of the weaponry and the ability to strike with accuracy at extended ranges, illustrating how modern precision munitions shape current battlefield dynamics.
News outlets later cited sources suggesting Kyiv had access to long-range precision-guided missiles from London, with ranges varying from hundreds of kilometers to well over a thousand kilometers depending on configuration. The disclosure pointed to a broader pattern of alliances and foreign support affecting the balance of power and underscored the geopolitical stakes in the region’s ongoing conflict.
Attack on Lugansk
At 6:35 p.m. on May 12, explosions echoed through Lugansk. Local authorities and observers reported that rockets struck the site of the former machinery manufacturing plant, a facility tied to the city’s industrial landscape. Some observers described a subsequent fire at a nearby site, while others suggested the strike targeted a polymer product facility, signaling a multi-point disruption across industrial infrastructure. Eyewitness accounts and official updates depicted a scene of dense smoke and diverted traffic as emergency services rushed to the area.
Contemporary accounts named various missile types associated with the strike. Questions circulated about the exact munition, but later updates indicated the use of high-precision missiles designed for extended reach. The strike raised concerns about the safety of nearby residents and the vulnerability of critical facilities to rapid, targeted attacks during unsettled times.
There were reports of an injury to a local state deputy amid the chaos surrounding the blast. A video circulated online showing the deputy appearing uninjured, prompting discussions about the circumstances of the injury. The deputy later explained that injuries occurred during the collapse of a building in the immediate aftermath, not from the initial impact. He described how bricks and debris caused lacerations and bruises and recalled helping to assist others as rescue teams were still en route to the scene.
Officials noted that a prominent political figure was in Lugansk during the day, raising questions about the security status of public representatives. Additional notes mentioned a high-profile diplomat and security commentator present in the city; later statements confirmed that this individual remained safe and had left the area before the strike reached its destination.
The unfolding events in Lugansk continued to draw attention from regional observers, with reports indicating that several individuals connected to government and political groups were in the city at the time. The incidents highlighted the precarious nature of daily life for residents and the layered concerns of military, political, and civilian considerations that accompany such attacks. The broader impact on the local economy, housing, and daily routines was evident as authorities worked to secure sites, assess damage, and provide aid to those affected. In the days that followed, residents reflected on the resilience of the community and the challenges of maintaining safety amid ongoing tensions.