NATO war jets scrambled near Ukraine as Russia deploys nuclear-capable bombers

By Charlie Bradley, Assistant Features Editor, Will Stewart, Kris Boratyn, Audience Writer

NATO jets (Image: Getty)

NATO jets were scrambled near Ukraine as Russia continued to bombard the country overnight. The intense assault included Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers, both of which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons, prompting an immediate response from Allied forces in the region. Polish and other NATO aircraft were ordered into the skies after Russia launched hundreds of missiles and drones towards Ukrainian cities, officials confirmed.

“In connection with another attack by the Russian Federation striking objects on the territory of Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation has begun operating in our airspace,” Poland’s armed forces operational command said. A statement added that the Operational Commander “activated all available forces and resources at his disposal”, while “on-duty fighter pairs were scrambled, and ground systems of air defence and radio-location detection reached maximum alert”.

Russia launched 582 aerial threats during the night. (Image: Getty)

Five missiles and 24 drones managed to hit seven different areas. (Image: Getty)

According to The Mirror, Ukraine’s air force said on Telegram that Russia launched 582 aerial threats during the night.

This included more than 500 Shahed-type drones and at least eight ballistic missiles.

Officials said 548 of those targets were intercepted, but five missiles and 24 drones still managed to hit seven different areas.

Falling debris from intercepted weapons also caused damage at 21 other locations.

One person was reported killed and several others injured in Zaporizhzhia after debris struck a five-storey residential building. Dozens of people, including children, were rescued from the site.

Some 17 people, including four children, were pulled from the rubble in Kyiv. (Image: Getty)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by calling for tougher sanctions on Moscow, accusing Russia of deliberately escalating its attacks during diplomatic efforts.

“We saw the world's response to the previous strike. But now, as Russia once again shows its utter disregard for words, we count on real action,” he said.

“It is absolutely clear that Moscow used the time meant for preparing a leaders-level meeting to organize new massive attacks.

“The only way to reopen a window of opportunity for diplomacy is through tough measures against all those bankrolling the Russian army and effective sanctions against Moscow itself - banking and energy sanctions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by calling for tougher sanctions on Moscow. (Image: Getty)

“This war won’t stop with political statements alone; real steps are needed. We expect action from the US, Europe, and the entire world."

The latest strikes also targeted Kyiv, where 17 people, including four children, were pulled from the rubble, according to interior minister Ihor Klymenko. He confirmed more than 50 people were injured in the capital.

“The youngest victim was a two-year-old girl,” he said. “Thousands of personnel from the Interior Ministry’s agencies and units worked at the strike sites in Kyiv, rotating every few hours.”

The European Union condemned Russia’s latest assault, with defence ministers on Friday vowing to increase pressure on Moscow as the war approaches its third year with no sign of peace talks.