Nato member states have been placed on high alert after Russia launched a devastating wave of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, prompting a military response from the alliance. Poland, a key Nato member on the eastern border, scrambled fighter jets as a preventive measure during the overnight assault, which targeted the Ukrainian capital and surrounding regions.
Deadly Strikes Hit Kyiv Region
At least 11 people were killed in Kyiv and the neighbouring region, with 46 others wounded, according to local authorities. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia used 68 missiles and 351 drones in the attack. Residential buildings were struck, and a missile plant is believed to have been hit, causing secondary explosions. An urgent evacuation was ordered in Vyshneve, Kyiv region, due to the threat of further detonations and toxic smoke at the Zhulyansky Machine-Building Plant Vizar, which caused coughing and headaches among residents.
Poland Responds to Russian Aggression
Poland's armed forces operational command stated: 'Due to the activity of the long-range aviation of the Russian Federation, which strikes the territory of Ukraine, military aviation has begun operations in Polish airspace. Fighters started the operation, and ground air defence systems and radio-location recognition have reached alert.' The move underscores the heightened tension along Nato's eastern flank.
Zelensky Warned of Imminent Attack
Hours before the assault, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that intelligence indicated a huge strike ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin was imminent. 'Russia wants to bring more evil and kill people. Please stay safe and heed any air raid alerts,' he said. Despite the warnings, dozens were caught out, with reports that an entire family—a mother, father, and son—were killed in one neighbourhood.
Key Infrastructure Targeted
The attacks targeted the Kyiv Roshen Confectionery Factory, owned by former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, and the city's hydroelectric power station. Several Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv, are reported to be without power following the strikes.
Nato Summit Looms
Russia's show of force comes a day before Nato leaders are due to meet in Ankara for a high-level summit on Tuesday. The military alliance has faced challenges from the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict and the US-Iran war. Tensions have also been growing between Nato and US President Donald Trump, who regularly threatens to pull America out of the alliance.
Russian Casualties Mount
Meanwhile, the Russian army is feeling the impact of the invasion since February 2022. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, up to 450,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since the war started, while Ukraine has seen between 125,000 and 150,000 fatalities. The report stated: 'Russian fatalities in Ukraine are more than four times greater than all US fatalities in all wars combined since World War Two.'
