Nato fighter planes have been forced to scramble today as Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack across Ukraine, killing six people and damaging civilian infrastructure.
The wave of attacks, which struck multiple regions including Poltava, Kharkiv and Odesa, came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced his administration was engaged in talks with Moscow.
The strikes triggered power cuts in several regions and destroyed residential buildings, with harrowing footage showing residents screaming after apartment blocks were hit in Poltava.
Three people were killed in Poltava, two in Sumy region and one in Kharkiv during the morning assault.
Three people were killed in Poltava, two in Sumy region and one in Kharkiv during the morning assault
Reuters
In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, a drone strike on the Kholodnohirskyi residential district killed one woman and injured five others, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
The historic centre of Odesa suffered damage in an earlier attack, with the tsarist-era Hotel Bristol among the structures hit.
In Zaporizhzhia, Russian forces launched multiple strikes, including at least 18 Shahed drones, damaging infrastructure, a multi-storey building and private homes.
Emergency power outages were implemented across several regions, including Dnepropetrovsk, Kirovograd, Poltava, Sumy and Kharkiv.
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Explosions were also recorded in the Kyiv region, with reports suggesting the Vasylkiv military airfield, 25 miles south of the capital, was targeted.
Nato and Polish forces responded to the scale of the Russian attack by scrambling warplanes along the alliance’s eastern front.
Warsaw’s operation command announced: “Due to the attack of the Russian Federation performing strikes on facilities located, among others, in the west of Ukraine, the operation of Polish and allied aviation in our airspace has begun.”
The duty commander activated all available resources, with ground-based air defence and radio-location reconnaissance systems placed on highest alert.
The duty commander activated all available resources, with ground-based air defence and radio-location reconnaissance systems placed on highest alert
Reuters
Russia deployed strategic nuclear-capable bomber aircraft, including Tu-95s and Tu-22s, launching Kh-22 missiles among others.
The measures were “aimed at ensuring security in the areas bordering the threatened areas,” according to Polish authorities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky branded the attacks as a “terrorist crime” as rescuers worked through the rubble of destroyed buildings.
“Unfortunately, three people were killed. My condolences to the relatives,” Zelensky said.
He emphasised the urgent need for increased support against Russian attacks, stating: “Every air defence system, every anti-missile is a lifesaver.”
“It is very important that partners act, fulfil our agreements, and increase pressure on Russia,” the Ukrainian President added.
Harrowing scenes unfolded in Poltava, where at least three people were killed and ten wounded when an ordinary apartment block was struck.
In an update about potential peace talks, Trump revealed discussions about the Ukraine war remain ongoing.
As the strikes unfolded across Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen presenting white roses to Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill
Reuters
“We are having very serious discussions about that war, trying to get it ended,” the US President said, though he declined to confirm direct contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
As the strikes unfolded across Ukraine, Putin was seen presenting white roses to Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill, marking the 16th anniversary of his enthronement.
The massive assault may indicate Putin’s unwillingness to end the conflict, which approaches its three-year mark this month.
Reports suggest Putin’s escalation follows his anger over Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, including the loss of key Ust-Luga port.
Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets condemned the attacks on Telegram, stating: “Russia’s daily attacks on Ukraine are a signal that the aggressor will not stop committing its crimes.”
He noted that Russia targeted civilian infrastructure, including “residential buildings, educational institutions, cars”.
Head of Zelensky’s office, Andriy Yermak, highlighted the attacks on multiple cities, saying: “Poltava, Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia – attacks on residential buildings, on civilians, are typical tactics of the Russian army.”
“The true face of Russia is this. Murderers who have absolutely no respect for any leader in the world, or any other nation,” Yermak added.