Russian Forces Fire Missiles Near Lviv Airport In Western Ukraine

The news was confirmed by mayor of the city Andriy Sadovi. He, however, said that no damage was done to the airport, which is among the largest in Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict | Photo: AFP

New Delhi: In their latest offensive against Ukraine, Russian forces Friday struck area near Lviv airport with missiles, reported news agency AFP.

The news was confirmed by mayor of the city Andriy Sadovi. He, however, said that no damage was done to the airport, which is among the largest in Ukraine.

Sadovyi took to messaging app Telegram and said that he could not give the exact place where the attack happened "but it's definitely not an airport," reported AFP.

#UPDATE Russian forces have struck an area around Lviv's airport in Ukraine, Mayor Andriy Sadovyi says.

Sadovyi could not give a precise address but says "it's definitely not an airport", as grey smoke streams across the sky and ambulances and police vehicles race to the scene pic.twitter.com/QPkjQHjAN3

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 18, 2022

After the attack, thick grey smoke could be seen all over the sky by AFP reporter. Motorists approaching the airport were turned away by checkpoint security forces after blasts were heard. 

The attack took place at 7:30 am local time. It was for the first time since Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24 that the city was attacked.

Lviv is the largest city in western Ukraine and is popular among tourists for its mesmerising scenic views.

On Thursday, Russian forces shelled a school and cultural centre near Kharkiv, which killed at least 21 people and wounded 25.

Ukrainian actress Oksana Shvets was also killed in a rocket attack by Russian forces in the capital Kyiv.

The incident happened when a rocket launched by Russia hit the building in which Oksana was residing. 

Oksana was 67 and was decorated with Ukraine's highest artistic honors, the title of which roughly translates as 'Honored Artist of Ukraine', reported ANI.

According to news agency Associated Press (AP), more than 3 million people have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion on February 24.