NATO fighter jets were scrambled on Saturday after Vladimir Putin unleashed the most intense wave of drone and missile attacks on western Ukraine since the start of the war.
Russia is believed to have launched up to 30 missiles and 700 military drones in a major escalation overnight, targeting cities including Lviv, Lutsk, and Chernivtsi.
Two people — a woman aged 26 and a man aged 43 — were killed in Chernivtsi, near the Romanian border, while at least 18 others were wounded. Acrid smoke hung over the city this morning as rescue workers inspected rubble and burnt-out vehicles.
Putin deployed nuclear-capable Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers in the assault, which marks the most intense week yet for kamikaze drone strikes across Ukraine.
In response, NATO air forces were placed on high alert. The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces confirmed that Polish and allied aircraft had begun operations in Polish airspace.
"Due to the activity of long-range Russian aviation striking targets located in western Ukraine, among other places, Polish and allied air forces have commenced operations in Polish airspace," the command said.
While it did not specify which other NATO countries were involved, it confirmed that "scrambled pairs of fighter jets were deployed, and ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to the highest state of combat readiness."
Poland also “activated available forces and resources” in measures “aimed at ensuring security in areas bordering the threatened areas”. It was the second time in a week such action had been taken, as Putin appears increasingly confident of gaining the upper hand in the war.
The bombardment comes just as the United States resumes major military assistance to Ukraine, and ahead of a significant Donald Trump statement expected Monday — one that may include new sanctions against the Kremlin.
In Lviv, Russian drones struck residential areas and a kindergarten. “Explosions occurred in several districts of the city,” said Mayor Andriy Sadovyi. The head of the regional military administration, Maksym Kozytskyi, described it as a “massive drone attack.”
The Electron Corporation — a manufacturer of trams and buses — was hit, and Russian media claimed the Yavoriv military training ground in Lviv region was also targeted.
In Lutsk, homes were damaged by what officials described as a “blitzkrieg” of drone and missile strikes.
In Kharkiv, Russian attacks targeted an industrial site and surrounding areas. “The main blow was taken by an enterprise that has not been operating for several years,” said regional administration head Oleh Syniehubov. A woman was seen crying over her dog, killed in the strike.
Earlier in Odesa, a military enlistment office was bombed six times by Russian drones.
Lviv suffered its largest drone assault since the start of the invasion. Among the wounded was an 11-year-old boy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said 597 drones and 26 missiles had been launched across the country. “Over 20 missiles and the majority of the strike drones were neutralised,” he said. “Thanks to our air defence forces for the result.
“Unfortunately, there were hits on civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings. As of now, two people have died in Chernivtsi. My condolences to the families and loved ones.
“About 20 more people injured as a result of the shelling are receiving all necessary assistance.”
In a direct appeal to Donald Trump, Zelensky called for urgent sanctions against Russia and its allies.
“The pace of Russia's air strikes requires swift decisions, and it can be slowed down with sanctions right now,” he said.
He urged sanctions on countries that help Russia “produce drones and profit from oil.”
“More air defence and investments in interceptor drones, which are already showing good results, are needed,” Zelensky added. “The war can only be stopped by force. We expect from our partners not just signals, but actions that will save lives.”
