Zelensky Warns Europe After Russian Strikes Target Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Europe of potential drone attacks after Russia launched a major aerial assault on Ukraine, targeting civilian infrastructure and resulting in at least five civilian deaths. The attacks involved over 50 ballistic missiles and approximately 500 drones across nine regions of Ukraine.
Escalation Near NATO Border
The intensity of the attacks, particularly near the Polish border, prompted NATO member Poland to scramble its aircraft to ensure air safety. Ukrainian officials reported that missiles and drones rained down on the Lviv region, heightening concerns about the potential for the conflict to spill over into neighboring NATO countries. Eastern-flank NATO members are on high alert following increased drone sightings and airspace incursions.
"Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to the highest state of readiness," - Poland's operational command said in a post on X.
Widespread Damage and Disruption
The Russian strikes caused significant damage across Ukraine. A railway station was hit on Saturday, killing one and wounding 30, while the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains cut off from external power since September 23. In Lviv, parts of the city were left without power, and public transport was suspended. A late-night attack on Zaporizhzhia resulted in one death and nine injuries, with apartment blocks and private houses damaged.
- Lviv: Hit by drones and missiles, parts without power, public transport suspended.
- Zaporizhzhia: One dead, nine injured, apartment blocks damaged, power outages affecting over 73,000 customers.
- Vilnius (Lithuania): Airport temporarily closed due to reports of balloons.
European Aviation Affected
The conflict's impact extends beyond Ukraine's borders, causing chaos in European aviation. Lithuania's airport in Vilnius was temporarily closed, and reports of drone sightings at airports and military installations in Germany have raised concerns. Flight tracking data indicated that commercial flights were rerouting around Poland's Lublin and Rzeszow airports near the Ukrainian border. Eurocontrol warned of high delays in airspace managed by Poland due to the "Ukraine situation".
International Response and Concerns
Zelensky has called for more protection and faster implementation of defense agreements, particularly on air defense, to counter the aerial terror. The UN's nuclear watchdog has urged Ukraine and Russia to show "political will" to ensure the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Analysts warn that cross-border tension could escalate if Russian missiles or drones violate NATO airspace again. Both sides continue to launch air attacks targeting critical infrastructure.
