Police officers inspect a part of a Russian Kh-55 cruise missile in a park in Kyiv, March 24, 2024. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko
In the early hours of Sunday, Ukraine reported that Russia launched a significant airstrike targeting critical infrastructure in the western region of Lviv, with one Russian cruise missile reportedly breaching Polish airspace briefly, as stated by Warsaw authorities. The attack, involving 57 missiles and drones, also extended to the capital, Kyiv, occurring two days after a substantial aerial bombardment on Ukraine’s energy system, marking one of the most extensive assaults in over two years of ongoing conflict. Maksym Kozytskyi, the governor of Lviv region, communicated via the Telegram messaging app that a critical infrastructure facility sustained two initial hits during the attack, which utilized Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. However, the specific facility targeted was not disclosed.
The Ukrainian energy ministry reported that a critical energy facility in the Lviv region was struck, resulting in equipment igniting and subsequent power loss. Clarification was needed regarding whether this incident pertained to the same targeted infrastructure. The Ukrainian air force asserted that air defenses successfully intercepted 18 of 29 inbound missiles and 25 of 28 attack drones.
Although details regarding the extent of damage remained scant, the targeting of critical infrastructure suggested Russia’s ongoing efforts to exert pressure on Ukraine’s energy system following previous strikes that triggered widespread blackouts. Consequently, Ukraine augmented its electricity imports significantly while halting exports following the attacks.
In Kyiv, several explosions occurred during the early hours as air defenses neutralized approximately a dozen missiles. Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, reported minor damages resulting from the assault. In response to the ongoing attacks, small groups of individuals sought refuge underground in a central Kyiv metro station, with some resorting to makeshift bedding.
These airstrikes, portrayed by Moscow as retaliation for alleged Ukrainian provocations during Russia’s presidential election, have persisted for several days, prompting heightened air alert statuses and advisories for shelter-seeking across Ukraine.
The discovery of wreckage from a downed Kh-55 cruise missile in a Kyiv park was confirmed by officials, marking the third consecutive morning of pre-dawn air alerts throughout Ukraine, as highlighted by U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink.
Russia’s defense ministry refrained from immediate comment regarding the reported attacks. Meanwhile, Poland’s armed forces confirmed that a Russian cruise missile had breached Polish airspace, entering near the town of Oserdow in the Lublin Voivodeship and remaining there for 39 seconds before returning to Ukrainian territory. The incident was closely monitored by military radar systems, according to statements made by Polish officials. In response, Warsaw announced intentions to seek clarification from Moscow regarding the airspace violation.
Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz reiterated Poland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine both militarily and on humanitarian fronts.
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