The Polish Air Force scrambled fighter jets overnight: Russian missiles and drones struck the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk near the border with Poland, killing several people.

According to RBK Ukraine, the attacks targeted the city center of Ivano-Frankivsk. The local military administration confirmed civilian casualties but did not give exact numbers. The police have launched an investigation. Formerly known as Stanislau, the city was Austrian from 1772 to 1918 and now has a population of 240,000. It currently serves as a supply base for the Ukrainian army.

Poland activates fighter jets for protection

Poland responded immediately: fighter jets were scrambled to protect Polish airspace, according to a statement from the Polish Operational Command. In Warsaw, it was emphasized that this was to ensure the safety of allied air corridors along the border with Ukraine.

Selenskyj pushes for negotiations

President Volodymyr Selenskyj commented on the attacks as “part of Russia’s ongoing campaign of terror.” In the same breath, he renewed his push for peace talks at the highest level: Kiev had sent a new proposal for talks to Moscow, with a meeting at the leadership level “in just a few days,” Zelensky said in a video message.

Zelensky is calling for concrete steps such as:

• personal talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin
• serious discussions on a ceasefire, accompanied by the return of prisoners and bodies
• expansion of air defense capabilities with Western support

Massive air strikes continue

According to Zelensky, more than 300 drones and 30 missiles have been fired at Ukraine in the past few hours alone. Cities such as Odessa, Sumy, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk have suffered severe damage. Fire departments report power outages, explosions, and debris on the streets.

Zelensky emphasizes that talks with Russia are essential to achieve a lasting ceasefire and ultimately peace. However, the president warned that Moscow must not hide behind demands for the withdrawal of Western military aid. Without concrete concessions, any round of negotiations will be fruitless.

Credit: APA