Russian missiles struck Ukraine's second-largest airport in the western city of Lviv early on Friday, the mayor said.
Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport, which is 43 miles east of the Polish border, was struck by Russian bombardment.
Western sources and Ukrainian officials said Russia's assault has faltered since its troops invaded on February 24, further dashing its expectations of a swift victory and the removal of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's government.
Smoke rises above buildings near Lviv airport, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Lviv, Ukraine, March 18, 2022. REUTERS/Roman Baluk
ROMAN BALUK
Smoke rises from a factory building near Lviv airport, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Lviv, Ukraine, March 18, 2022. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
KAI PFAFFENBACH
Smoke rises above buildings near Lviv airport, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Lviv, Ukraine, March 18, 2022. REUTERS/Roman Baluk
ROMAN BALUK
Russia has relied heavily on missiles and shelling to subdue Ukraine's forces but has yet to secure any of its 10 largest cities.
At least three blasts were heard near Lviv's airport on Friday morning, with videos on social media showing large explosions and mushroom-shaped plumes of smoke rising.
Lviv's mayor, Andriy Sadovy, said several missiles struck an aircraft maintenance facility, destroying buildings but causing no casualties.
The city has escaped significant fighting so far.
This comes after Lviv's governor Maksym Kozytskyy said at least 35 people were killed and 134 wounded in a Russian air strike on a large Ukrainian military training ground near the Polish border on Sunday.