Russia strikes Lviv with a ballistic missile for the first time: Ukraine calls for urgent international action
For the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Lviv was hit by a ballistic missile traveling at an estimated speed of around 13,000 kilometers per hour, Ukraine’s Air Force and Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi reported.
Source: Interfax Ukraine
Extreme speed and a new level of threat
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the missile followed a ballistic trajectory, making interception significantly more difficult than cruise missiles or drones. Mayor Andriy Sadovyi stressed that this was the first recorded ballistic missile strike on Lviv since February 2022.
“The city is located less than 70 kilometers from the border of the European Union. This is a clear signal to our international partners: Russia’s war does not stop at any borders,”
Sadovyi wrote on his Telegram channel.
He also drew attention to claims by Russia’s Ministry of Defense, which attempted to justify the launch of an “Oreshnik” missile as retaliation for an alleged attack on the Russian dictator’s residence — a claim Ukrainian officials describe as fabricated.
Strike on critical infrastructure
Ukrainian authorities previously reported that critical infrastructure in the Lviv region was targeted. During the air raid alert, residents heard multiple explosions across the city. Emergency services are still clarifying the extent of the damage.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry: international dimension
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Kyiv is initiating urgent international consultations following Russia’s use of a medium-range ballistic missile near the borders of the EU and NATO.
According to Sybiha, Ukraine is calling for emergency discussions within:
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the UN Security Council,
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the NATO–Ukraine Council,
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relevant formats within the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE.
“A ballistic missile strike near the borders of the EU and NATO is a serious threat to the security of the European continent and a test for the transatlantic community,”
Sybiha stated.
‘Absurd justifications’ from the Kremlin
The foreign minister dismissed Moscow’s explanation of the strike as “absurd,” calling it further proof that Russia needs no real pretext to carry out terror attacks.
“Putin is using a medium-range ballistic missile near the EU and NATO border in response to his own hallucinations. This is a global threat that requires a global response,”
Sybiha said.
He also urged partners to tighten sanctions, particularly against Russia’s shadow tanker fleet, oil revenues, and financial schemes — not only in Europe, but globally.
Call for international accountability
Ukraine is urging all responsible states and international organizations to publicly expose Russian disinformation and increase pressure on the aggressor without delay, stressing that the use of ballistic missiles near EU borders is a direct challenge to international security.
