Massive Russian Airstrikes Hit Ukraine
On Monday night, Russia reportedly unleashed around 400 drones and numerous missiles across Ukraine, triggering NATO to deploy fighter jets from nearby countries.
The airstrikes led to at least four fatalities and over 20 injuries in various regions, including Kiev, Zaporizhia, and Kharkov, according to a statement from a Ukrainian official.
As the assault drew near NATO airspace, both Poland and Romania launched their fighter jets, with Poland’s air defenses placed on the highest alert level, as reported by the Polish Operations Command.
“Polish and allied air forces conducted operations in our airspace due to the Russian Air Force’s long-range attacks on Ukrainian territory,” the Polish Operational Command noted.
Russian Missile Barrage Before Peace Talks
Earlier, it was reported that two F-16 jets were scrambled in Romania as Russian drones targeted areas near the Danube River, which marks part of the border with Ukraine.
Ukrainian military officials indicated a significant uptick in attacks along a front stretching approximately 750 miles, with numerous assaults recorded in recent days.
A report from the Institute for the Study of War suggests that this escalation may signal the start of Moscow’s long-anticipated spring-summer offensive.
Recent Attacks Cause More Casualties
Ukraine’s air force stated that nearly 400 drones were launched by Russia; while some managed to hit targets, the majority were intercepted. Additionally, the Russian forces fired 23 cruise missiles and seven ballistic missiles into Ukraine, targeting at least ten locations.
The relentless barrage on Ukrainian civilians has continued since Russia initiated a full-scale invasion over four years ago. Negotiations mediated by the U.S. between Moscow and Kiev have stagnated, with Russia dismissing Ukraine’s ceasefire proposals.
This latest attack followed a precision strike by Ukraine on Primorsky Krai, Russia’s major Baltic port, which had left a crucial export hub in flames the day before.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambassador to London warned of “dire” consequences due to Ukraine’s employment of Storm Shadow missiles that recently targeted a microelectronics facility in the Bryansk region of Russia.
Threats From Russia
The ambassador emphasized, “The UK has chosen to remind everyone about Ukraine and their country, because without the UK’s participation, the use of the Storm Shadow missile is impossible. However, every action has consequences, and for everyone involved in the Bryansk tragedy, those consequences will be severe.”
