New Delhi: Russian air strikes targeted both Kyiv and the western Ukrainian region of Lviv on Sunday, news agency Reuters cited officials as saying. In response, Poland's armed forces activated its aircraft to ensure airspace safety near the border.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko took to Telegram messaging app and stated that multiple explosions rocked the Ukrainian capital following engagement of air defence systems to repel the attack. Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said on Telegram that Ukraine's air defence forces successfully intercepted approximately a dozen Russian-launched missiles over Kyiv and its vicinity. Preliminary reports indicate no casualties or significant damage resulting from the attacks.
Ukraine also said that it hit two Russian landing ships in an overnight strike in Sevastopol, on Crimean peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014.
"The Ukrainian Armed Forces successfully struck the amphibious landing ships Yamal and Azov, a communications centre, and a number of the Black Sea Fleet's infrastructure sites," Ukrainian armed forces' strategic communications centre said in a statement, AFP reported.
Notably, these “massive” airstrikes are part of Russia's ongoing assault on Ukraine, which it portrays as retaliation for Ukrainian actions during its recent presidential election.
U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink raised concerns about the situation, emphasising that Ukraine remains under an air alert, with civilians advised to seek shelter due to Russia's indiscriminate launching of drones and missiles, in violation of international law.
"For the third pre-dawn morning this week, all of Ukraine is under an air alert and has been advised to seek shelter," U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink posted on X.
At the same time, Ukraine's news outlets reported a major attack on Lviv, with Russian missiles flying near the border with Poland. Polish armed forces responded by activating aircraft, leading to potential increased noise levels, particularly in the southeastern part of the country.
Poland's army reported that a Russian cruise missile aimed at towns in western Ukraine breached Polish airspace. Consequently, Poland's foreign ministry announced plans to demand an explanation from Russia for this violation.
Although Lviv itself was spared from direct attacks, Mayor Andriy Sadovyi said on Telegram that approximately 20 missiles and seven attack drones targeted “critical infrastructure” in the broader Lviv region.