Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed on March 27 it struck what it claimed were several military targets in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, saying it used both precision and long-range missiles.
“The armed forces of the Russian Federation continue offensive actions as part of the special military operation,” Konashenkov said in a statement, referring to how Russia’s government terms the conflict, which started Feb. 24. The ministry also presented a video that purported to show missile strikes in Lviv, Reuters reported.
Lviv regional Governor Maksym Kozytskyy wrote on Telegram on March 27 that the fuel depot was “completely destroyed.” Lviv is about 40 miles east of the border of Poland, a member of NATO.
President Joe Biden visited Poland on March 26.
Ukrainian officials said via social media that several individuals were arrested for espionage in connection with the missile strikes.
Neither Ukrainian officials’ nor Russia’s accounts of the strikes could immediately be independently verified.
The attacks on Lviv came just hours after Biden condemned Russia’s leadership. White House officials on March 26 and March 27 walked back some of the president’s comments, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying that the United States isn’t seeking a regime change in Moscow because of the conflict.
“I think the president, the White House, made the point last night that, quite simply, President [Vladimir] Putin cannot be empowered to wage war or engage in aggression against Ukraine or anyone else,” Blinken told reporters during a visit to Jerusalem. “In this case, as in any case, it’s up to the people of the country in question. It’s up to the Russian people.”
Biden told reporters that Putin can’t remain in power.
“Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia, for free people refuse to live in a world of hopelessness and darkness. We will have a different future, a brighter future, rooted in democracy and principles, hope and light, of decency and dignity, of freedom and possibilities,” Biden said following a NATO meeting.
“For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power,” Biden added.
Other White House officials on March 26 said that what Biden meant was referring to Putin using power outside of Russia.
