Police officer killed and dozens wounded in explosions in Lviv

Sunday 22 February 2026 - 11:00

By: Sahili Aya

Police officer killed and dozens wounded in explosions in Lviv

A police officer was killed and 24 people were injured after multiple explosions struck the western Ukrainian city of Lviv shortly after midnight, according to the National Police of Ukraine.

Authorities said preliminary findings indicate that homemade explosive devices were used in the attack. The first blast reportedly occurred when a police patrol responded to a suspected shop break-in in the city center. A second explosion followed shortly afterward, causing additional casualties.

Emergency services quickly secured the area, and investigators began examining the scene to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Images from the site showed damaged storefronts and debris scattered across nearby streets.

Lviv’s mayor, Andriy Sadovyi, described the explosions as a terrorist act and pledged full cooperation with national authorities to identify those responsible. Security measures were reinforced across key locations in the city as a precaution.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a suspect had been detained in connection with the attack. He did not provide further details but emphasized that law enforcement agencies are working to clarify all aspects of the case.

Lviv, located near Ukraine’s western border, has generally been considered relatively secure compared to frontline regions. However, the country continues to face security threats amid ongoing tensions and the broader conflict affecting Ukraine.

Officials have not released additional information regarding the condition of the injured or potential motives behind the explosions. Investigations remain ongoing.