In the most intense aerial assault since the start of the war, Russia launched over 700 drones and missiles into Ukraine late Tuesday, prompting NATO fighter jets to enter Polish airspace in a defensive response. The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the attack included:
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728 drones, including over 300 Shahed drones
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13 missiles, including Kinzhals and Iskanders
“Most of the targets were shot down… dozens of enemy targets were downed by interceptor drones and mobile fire groups,” said President Zelensky, commending Ukraine’s defence units for their precision and effectiveness.
Key Impact Areas
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Lutsk, near the Polish border, was the worst hit, with critical Ukrainian airfields targeted.
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At least 10 regions across Ukraine suffered drone or missile strikes.
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One fatality was reported in Khmelnytskyi, and two injuries in the Kyiv region.
NATO and Poland Respond
In response to Russian missiles approaching NATO territory:
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Poland scrambled its fighter jets and put armed forces on high alert.
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The Polish Armed Forces Operational Command confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that immediate action was taken due to Russian aggression near its airspace.
Russian Intentions & US Reactions
The Russian Defence Ministry stated that the attack specifically targeted Ukrainian air bases, claiming that “all designated targets were hit.”
The escalation comes amidst stalled peace efforts led by the United States, with President Trump expressing dissatisfaction with President Putin’s lack of flexibility in ceasefire negotiations. Despite previously pausing military aid, the US resumed weapons deliveries on Wednesday, including:
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155 mm artillery shells
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GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) rockets
Ukraine’s Retaliation
Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes into Russia, killing three civilians in the Kursk region, including a 5-year-old child. Russia claimed:
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86 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across six regions, including Moscow.
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Flights were suspended at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo and Kaluga international airport.
Strategic Outlook
This escalation appears to be a Kremlin signal, aiming to:
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Overwhelm Ukraine’s air defences
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Disrupt Western weapon supplies
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Test NATO’s readiness in bordering nations
As Ukraine braces for more drone-led attacks, and NATO remains on alert, this offensive signals a dangerous turning point in the ongoing three-year conflict, with global consequences now more apparent than ever.
