Russia strikes western Ukraine, Poland scrambles planes in response

On Tuesday, Russia launched a significant air strike on Lviv, a city in western Ukraine near the Polish border, resulting in at least seven fatalities, including three children, and numerous injuries. The attack involved both missile and drone strikes, damaging over 50 structures, including schools and clinics, as reported by local officials. The mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadovyi, shared a video showing the destruction in the city center, highlighting the severe impact on civilian infrastructure. In response to the escalating threat, Poland activated its air defense system, scrambling both Polish and allied aircraft overnight. This marked the third activation of Poland's defenses in just eight days, reflecting the heightened tensions and the ongoing bombardment of Ukraine by Russian forces. The Polish military's operational command emphasized the urgency of the situation, indicating a busy night for air defense operations. Additionally, Russia's military actions extended beyond Lviv, with missile strikes reported in Kyiv and other regions, although no immediate damage was noted in those areas. The recent surge in attacks is believed to be a reaction to Ukraine's military activities in the Kursk region, as suggested by Russian military bloggers. In light of these developments, Poland is taking significant steps to enhance its military capabilities, announcing new defense contracts worth $520 million. This includes plans to replace outdated helicopters and acquire advanced air defense systems, reflecting Poland's commitment to bolstering its defense in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.