Poland Scrambles Jets as Russia Launches Assault on Western Ukraine

In the early hours of Wednesday, the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, which had largely been spared from the devastation of the war, experienced a striking reminder of the ongoing conflict. Just 40 miles from the Polish border, Lviv faced drone and missile attacks that left a significant mark on its community.

Explosions began around 5:40 a.m. local time, targeting areas close to the railway station and impacting residential buildings, schools, and clinics. Mayor Andriy Sadovy reported that Russian forces had deployed drones and hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, damaging over 50 buildings across the city. This sudden strike resulted in at least seven fatalities, including three young children, according to officials.

The aftermath of the attack revealed snapshots of devastation, with tragic footage circulating on social media showing rescuers digging through the debris of a collapsed home. Among the victims were two young girls, one just nine years old and the other fourteen, along with an infant. Reports indicated that many more were injured in the chaos.

The proximity of these attacks to Poland prompted a swift response from the Polish government, which scrambled fighter jets to the border region. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski spoke candidly about the situation, emphasizing that NATO membership does not negate a nation’s responsibility for safeguarding its own airspace. He stated, “It’s our own constitutional duty,” reflecting concerns about the possible fallout should missiles enter Polish airspace.

Sikorski expressed that it could be justifiable for Poland to intercept any missiles approaching their borders, pointing out the risks posed by missile debris to civilians if these attacks were to cross into Polish territory. This coalition of regional defense is crucial as the threat escalates.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military issued nationwide alerts urging preparedness for further aerial strikes as Russia initiated waves of missile and drone assaults targeting the capital city and other regions across the nation. This uptick in aggression is believed to be a possible retaliation for a recent Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory in Kursk.

In eastern Ukraine, the city of Poltava was still grappling with the aftermath of a harrowing attack from the previous day. Two ballistic missiles targeted the Poltava Military Communications Institute, resulting in the deaths of at least 51 individuals and injuring over 200. This incident marked the most lethal assault by Russian forces since October when a strike killed 59 people during a funeral in the Kharkiv region.

Cadet Mykyta Petrov recounted the terrifying experience, noting that a second missile struck moments after the first, leading to chaos as smoke and dust enveloped the area. He remarked on the tragic loss of life, as many were caught unsuspecting outside at the time.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed to ensure accountability for the Russian attack, declaring a commitment to seek justice for the victims. He indicated the launch of an inquiry into the safety measures at the military training facility, expressing his frustration with the situation amid ongoing calls for enhanced defense capabilities.

“The Russian scum will surely pay,” Zelenskyy stated resolutely. His comments also extended to Western allies, highlighting a growing urgency to deploy air defense systems directly to Ukraine rather than storing them elsewhere, reflecting the pressing needs in the face of escalating violence.

In a notable development, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba resigned following the recent assault on Poltava. Kuleba had been a prominent figure in advocating for international support for Ukraine throughout the ongoing conflict, and his resignation signals possible transitions in the leadership structure as Zelenskyy has indicated a broader government reshuffle as winter approaches.

The tragic events in Lviv and Poltava underscore a grim reality for Ukraine as it faces an intensifying conflict, amidst calls for immediate actions and international solidarity.

Source: CBS News