NATO warplanes are scrambled as Putin launches huge attack near Poland border

NATO scrambled its warplanes early today in response to a fierce Russian bombardment of Ukraine close to its border with Poland.

The Tu-22 and Tu-95 strategic bombers, led by Vladimir Putin, conducted the Russian strikes targeting crucial energy facilities during the coldest weeks of winter.

The onslaught was seen as instant revenge for Tuesday’s Ukrainian aerial strikes on Russia, the heaviest of the almost three year war.

Vladimir Putin was particularly disturbed by Ukraine’s deployment of British Storm Shadow and American ATACMS missiles, which successfully struck important defense installations, including a chemical plant in the Bryansk region.

NATO forces went on full alert in Poland with warplanes scrambled, the country’s operational command headquarters said.

A statement confirmed that duty fighter pairs were immediately mobilized, while ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems were placed on high alert in response to the situation.

‘The steps taken are aimed at ensuring security in the areas bordering the threatened areas.’

President Zelensky described it as ‘another massive Russian attack’ and said Putin’s forces had continued to focus their attacks on his country’s energy infrastructure as Ukrainians face the harsh winter cold.

Ukrainians take shelter in Kyiv's metro station during a Russian bombardment of the capital

Ukrainians take shelter in Kyiv’s metro station during a Russian bombardment of the capital

Kyiv and other areas of the country were targeted by the strikes early this morning

Kyiv and other areas of the country were targeted by the strikes early this morning

The onslaught was seen as instant revenge for Tuesday's Ukrainian aerial strikes on Russia

The onslaught was seen as instant revenge for Tuesday's Ukrainian aerial strikes on Russia

The onslaught was seen as instant revenge for Tuesday’s Ukrainian aerial strikes on Russia (pictured)

File image shows a Rafale B standard F4 fighter jet of France's air force flies as part of NATO's Enhanced Air Policing (eAP) mission in the Baltic States, on Dezember 17, 2024

File image shows a Rafale B standard F4 fighter jet of France’s air force flies as part of NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing (eAP) mission in the Baltic States, on Dezember 17, 2024

‘Among their objectives were gas and energy facilities that sustain normal life for our people,’ he said.

He added that more than 40 missiles had been launched in the attack, including ballistic missiles. At least 30 of these were destroyed, he said.

Additionally, more than 70 Russian attack drones were launched during the night.

Zelensky issued an appeal to Ukraine’s western allies to rapidly shore up its air defences, stating that ‘promises made by partners at the NATO summit in Washington… still remain partially unfulfilled.’

Andriy Sadovyi, mayor of the western city of Lviv, said that ‘during the morning attack, enemy cruise missiles were recorded on the territory of the region.’ 

Some seven TU-22M3 and six TU-95MS strategic bombers were in the air with the Ukrainian capital Kyiv among the targets.

Russia had earlier vowed to respond to Tuesday’s attacks when a reported 14 Western missiles and more than 200 drones hit chemical plants, energy facilities and other defence-related targets in Russia in Ukraine’s most ambitious aerial strike of the entire war.

‘The actions by the Kyiv regime supported by Western handlers will trigger retaliation,’ said the Russian defence ministry in a statement.

Russia claimed to have shot down eight £2million Storm Shadow missiles but this could not be verified.

Today Russia attacked with Kh-22 missiles, triggering emergency power outages in multiple Ukrainian regions, already hit by crippling electricity shortages due to earlier Putin strikes.

Sea-launched Kalibr missiles were also deployed. Gas facilities were also hit.

Herman Halushchenko, Kyiv’s Energy Minister, warned: ‘The enemy does not stop terrorising Ukrainians.

‘Due to the mass attack, the operator of the transmission system applies preventive measures of restrictions.

‘Stay tuned for official announcements. While the danger lasts – stay in shelters!’

Svitlana Onishchuk, head of the Ivano-Frankivsk military administration, said: ‘The morning in Ukraine began with rocket fire.

‘The enemy used various types of weapons.

‘In the Carpathian region, the target was critical infrastructure facilities. Air Defence Forces were operating in the region.

‘Fortunately, there were no injuries. The relevant services are working at the scene.

‘The situation is under control. We thank our defenders and everyone involved in eliminating the consequences of the enemy attack.’

In Kharkiv, a 52-year-old man was reportedly killed.

A 56-year-old nurse from a local outpatient clinic was killed as a result of shelling of the Kherson suburb of Antonivka,said the head of the region’s military administration [Oleksandr] Prokudin.

Ukraine also hit Russia overnight, setting fire to a key Lukoil refinery in Volgograd.

Footage showed a huge explosion at the strategic plant.

You May Also Like
Chicago restaurants: Vegan village food hall in the works for 79th Street in South Shore neighborhood

New Vegan Food Hall Coming to 79th Street in Chicago’s South Shore Area

CHICAGO (WLS) — Vegans may have a new destination in Chicago as…
Education Secretary McMahon: Columbia University Violated Federal Civil Rights Law During Protests

Education Secretary McMahon says Columbia University broke federal civil rights law in protests

The Department of Education (ED) under President Trump seems to be on…
Hamas working to 'sabotage' Trump-backed aid group with 'fake news': Israeli official

Israeli official accuses Hamas of undermining Trump-endorsed humanitarian organization with misinformation

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation…
President Donald Trump orders investigation of Joe Biden's use of an autopen, claiming White House cover-up

Trump orders probe into Biden’s autopen use, alleges White House concealment

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump instructed his administration to look into former…
Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center closing at end of month; US Department of Labor phasing out operations, leaving some homeless

Chicago Job Corps Center run by Paul Simon shutting down soon; US Department of Labor ending activities, leading to homelessness

CHICAGO (WLS) — Young people are scrambling, as Job Corps centers are…
Thursday Morning Minute: Take Me On

Thursday Morning Minute: A Guide to “Take Me On”

TOP O’ THE MORNIN’ Red-Hot at RedState  Imagine being a fly on…
High school volleyball player, 18, is RELEASED after ICE arrest

High school volleyball player, 18, is set free following ICE detention

A high school volleyball player who was arrested by Immigration and Customs…
Luigi Mangione evidence bombshell as his intimate diary entries are revealed

Luigi Mangione’s shocking discovery as his personal journal entries are exposed

The bombshell diary entries of Luigi Mangione have been made public, revealing…
Burchett Drops Good News on DOGE Bills, EOs; Decimates Guy Who Asks 'Gotcha' Medicaid Question

Burchett Shares Positive Updates on DOGE Legislation and Executive Orders; Shuts Down Person inquiring About Medicaid in Dramatic Fashion

I admire Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) for making it a priority to…
What Time Will ‘BMF’ Season 4 Be on Starz? Release Date, Streaming Info, How To Watch

When does ‘BMF’ Season 4 premiere on Starz? Find out the release date, streaming details, and how to watch.

Hell. Yeah. After over a year of anticipation, the fourth season of…
Joe Rogan visibly annoyed as guest exposes a secret he hasn't even told his wife

“Joe Rogan’s Uncomfortable Moment: Guest Reveals Secret He Hasn’t Shared with His Wife”

Joe Rogan wasn’t impressed when a mentalist correctly guessed his PIN code –…
How To Watch The NBA Finals 2025: Channel, Start Times, Schedule, Streaming Info

Guide to Watching the NBA Finals 2025: Channel, Time, Dates, How to Stream

Here we go! The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers in…