Russian forces launched a series of heavy airstrikes on the western Ukrainian city of Lviv early Sunday morning, marking one of the most intense attacks on the region since the war began in 2022. According to local officials, multiple missiles hit civilian infrastructure, including a residential building and a school, leaving at least 12 people dead and dozens injured. The Ukrainian Air Force said it intercepted several cruise missiles, but some managed to penetrate air defenses. In response, neighboring Poland activated its air defense systems and temporarily closed parts of its airspace, citing security concerns. NATO officials confirmed they scrambled jets to monitor the situation, calling it a precautionary measure. The escalation has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, especially as Russia continues to target areas far from the front lines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as “a barbaric act of terror” and renewed his call for increased Western military support. Emergency services are still conducting rescue operations, while humanitarian organizations have begun providing aid to displaced families. The international community has reacted with outrage, with the EU and U.S. pledging further sanctions on Moscow. Analysts warn that this latest assault could signal a new phase in the war, with Russia intensifying its campaign ahead of winter.