Over the past seven days, important events have taken place in Lviv region: defenders released from captivity have returned home, the military have received new equipment, communities have continued to invest in security, education and culture, and the region has endured a series of enemy attacks.
A further 270 Ukrainian servicemen have returned from Russian captivity, including six defenders from Lviv region: Vasyl Stashkevych, Vasyl Zalutskyi, Renat Khairullin, Vitalii Mylostyvyi, Vasyl Suvorov and Yaroslav Yarusevych. They are Azov fighters, border guards, servicemen of the Territorial Defence, the Naval Forces, the Ground Forces, the Air Assault Forces and the State Special Transport Service.
Soldier Mykhailo Derybyk from the Slavske community has been awarded the honorary badge of the Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine “For Service”. Four airmen of the 16th Separate Army Aviation Brigade “Brody” have been awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the posthumous presentation of the Gold Star Order.
Lviv region has suffered several waves of enemy strikes. Russian forces have directed loitering munitions at energy infrastructure facilities in various parts of the region. In the village of Zubra in Lviv district, drone debris damaged residential buildings. In the night of 20 October, houses in the Solonka community were damaged and a wounded man was taken to hospital. The attacks caused power outages in Yavoriv and Sheptytskyi districts, but power engineers promptly restored electricity for more than 17,000 customers.
In the night of 21 October, a business in the Zhovkva community was hit, injuring two employees whose injuries were assessed as of moderate severity. In a neighbouring settlement, drone debris damaged a private house. A daytime attack the same day caused no casualties or destruction, as air defence forces shot down an enemy drone.
During the night and morning of 23 October, five enemy drones were destroyed over Lviv region, with no dead or injured. As a result of the daytime attack, 175 settlements were temporarily left without electricity, but supply was restored within a few hours. In one of the communities of Stryi district, a crater and fragments of the jet engine of a Geran-5 loitering munition were found. During two morning air-raid alerts on 25 October, air defence forces shot down three more enemy drones in Lviv and Stryi districts.
To strengthen the defence, 99 quadcopters worth a total of more than 19 million hryvnias have been handed over to the soldiers of the 24th Separate Mechanised Brigade named after King Danylo. The purchase was financed from the regional budget under the Comprehensive Programme “Safe Lviv Region” for 2021–2026.
Over the first nine months of 2026, communities in Lviv region have allocated more than UAH 3.8 billion for war-related needs, which is more than 12% of all local budget expenditure excluding targeted transfers. More than UAH 1 billion has been allocated for these purposes from the regional budget. At the same time, in 15 communities less than 5% of expenditure has been directed to defence and war-related needs, so leaders have been urged to review their budget structures, and residents to take an interest in how taxpayers’ money is being used.
Some UAH 2.6 billion has already been channelled into the implementation of regional programmes over the first nine months of this year, which is more than 61% of the annual plan. Priorities remain countering Russian aggression and supporting the military, as well as developing healthcare, education, culture, social protection and environmental protection.
Updated kitchen facilities and a canteen have opened at the Shchyrets general secondary education institution of levels I–III. Almost 300 pupils in years 1–11 now eat in modern and comfortable conditions, and thanks to the school meals reform, hot lunches for pupils are free of charge.
At the age of 86, Fedir Stryhun has died – People’s Artist of Ukraine, director, teacher and one of the luminaries of Ukrainian theatre. His family, colleagues, students and all who knew and respected the artist are expressing their condolences.
Lviv region has hosted the 4th All-Ukrainian Forum of Councils of Internally Displaced Persons. The event brought together representatives of IDP councils from different regions, state and local authorities, civil society organisations, experts and international partners. Participants discussed the updated state policy on IDPs and strengthening the influence of the councils on decision-making in communities.
Minister of Culture Tetiana Berezhna visited the region. She took part in the final conference of the “Heritage: a space for work” initiative, joined the creative festival “Dizarium” and familiarised herself with the work of the Museum of Architecture and Rural Life.
In the Tustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve, the first section of a barrier-free route has been created – from the ticket office to the foot of the cliffs. The new path has a gentle incline and an even hard surface, with inclusive museum stands installed along it. The project has been implemented under the Comprehensive Programme for the Development of Culture in Lviv Region for 2021–2026.
Epee fencer Anna Maksymenko from Lviv region has won the first World Cup medal of her career. Previously, she twice reached the podium at Grand Prix events. The fencer’s success has been recognised together with her coaches.
The Zenyk Art Gallery has opened an exhibition entitled “Firework” dedicated to Ukrainian Baroque. The display includes the personal sabre of Kyrylo Rozumovskyi, his 1763 hetman’s universal, Baroque icons from Kozelets, sculptures by Johann Georg Pinsel, graphics by Heorhii Narbut, as well as works by contemporary artists who are reinterpreting Ukraine’s cultural heritage in new ways. The exhibition will run until 24 January 2027.