Russia launched a series of air strikes across Ukraine early Sunday, hitting the capital Kyiv and prompting a nationwide alert.
The offensive included targeting the Ukrainian border region of Lviv, close to Poland, which in response activated its air force to protect its airspace. The attacks, commencing at 5 a.m. local time, were met with Ukrainian air defenses attempting to repel the assault.
In Kyiv, approximately a dozen Russian missiles were intercepted and destroyed, reported Serhiy Popko, head of the city's military administration, with no casualties or major damage immediately reported.
Lviv's Mayor, Andriy Sadovyi, stated the wider region faced around 20 missiles and seven drone attacks, targeting critical infrastructure, though the city itself was spared.
Following the attacks near its border, Poland's Operational Command of the armed forces announced the activation of Polish and allied aircraft, assuring the public of steps taken to ensure the safety of its airspace.
The attack on Ukraine follows a significant missile strike on Friday, impacting a dam and disrupting power for a million Ukrainians. It also comes a day after a terror attack in Moscow, which killed over 130 people. While ISIS claimed responsibility for the Moscow attack, with the U.S. affirming this claim, Russian officials have hinted at Ukrainian involvement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet responded to the latest strikes.
For the third pre-dawn morning this week, all of Ukraine is under an air alert and has been advised to seek shelter. Russia continues to indiscriminately launch drones and missiles with no regard for millions of civilians, violating international law.
— Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) March 24, 2024
"For the third pre-dawn morning this week, all of Ukraine is under an air alert and has been advised to seek shelter," tweeted US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink on X. "Russia continues to indiscriminately launch drones and missiles with no regard for millions of civilians, violating international law."
