Russia attacked with ballistic missiles in Kiev and Lviv – Poland raised fighters

Russia launched air strikes in Kiev and the Lviv region of western Ukraine on Sunday, officials said.

The Russian attack in western Ukraine forced the armed forces of neighboring Poland to activate their aircraft to ensure the security of the airspace near the border.

Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko said via the Telegram messaging app that several explosions occurred in the Ukrainian capital after air defense systems participated in repelling the attack.

Serhiy Popko, head of the military command in Kiev, told Telegram that Ukrainian air defense forces destroyed about ten missiles launched by Russia over Kiev and near the capital.

He added that initial reports showed that there were no injuries or serious damage as a result of the attacks.

Russia has been bombing Ukraine for days in attacks that Moscow portrayed as retaliation for the Ukrainian attacks during the recent presidential elections.

“On the third morning before dawn this week, all of Ukraine was on alert and was advised to seek shelter,” US Ambassador Bridget Brink posted on X early Sunday.

He added: “Russia continues to launch drones and missiles indiscriminately without regard to millions of civilians, in violation of international law.”

The Russian Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ukrainian Telegram news agency reported that in the major attack that took place in Lviv, Russian missiles flew near the border with Poland.

“Polish and allied aircraft have been activated, which may lead to increased noise levels, especially in the southeastern part of the country,” the Polish Armed Forces told X.

Lviv Mayor Andriy Sandovy said on the Telegram app that there were no attacks in the city, but about 20 missiles and seven attack drones were launched into the greater Lviv area, targeting “vital infrastructure.”

As it became known, one of the ballistic missiles entered Polish airspace for 39 seconds, before being redirected towards its target. This led to the activation of Polish air defenses.

Russia violates Polish airspace

“On March 24 at 4:23 a.m. (0323 GMT), Polish airspace was violated by one of the cruise missiles launched at night by the long-range air forces of the Russian Federation,” the Armed Forces said on the X social media platform.

“The object entered Polish space near the town of Ocerdo (Lublin Voivodeship) and remained there for 39 seconds. During the entire flight, it was detected by military radar systems.”