Polish and allied aircraft have been activated early on Sunday after Russia launched an air attack on Ukraine's west and near the Polish border, the Operational Command of the Polish armed forces said on Sunday.
"Polish and allied aircraft have been activated, which may result in increased noise levels, especially in the south-eastern part of the country," the Command said on the social media service X.
Russia launched a major air attack on Ukraine Sunday morning, leading to air alerts in the entire country, and a directive that citizens not leave their shelters. Reports on social media suggested that the barrage was significantly larger than other attacks in recent days and weeks.
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
Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on the Telegram messaging app there were explosions in the capital after the region's military administration said that air defense systems were engaged in repelling the attack.
Reuters' witnesses heard several blasts and saw some air weapons being shot down. Videos on social media showed masses of people sheltering in the Kyiv subway station.
Attack comes amid series, a day after terror attack in Moscow
"On March 24 at 4:23 a.m. (0323 GMT), there was a violation of Polish airspace by one of the cruise missiles launched overnight by long-range aviation of the Russian Federation," the armed forces said on the social media platform X.
"The object entered Polish space near the town of Oserdow (Lublin Voivodeship) and stayed there for 39 seconds. During the entire flight, it was observed by military radar systems."
The attack came the day after a fatal terror attack in Moscow killed more than 130 people. Although the Islamic State group (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack, and the United States affirmed that ISIS was solely responsible, Russian leaders have suggested that Ukraine may have been involved.