RAF jets 'engage' Russian drones in NATO operation as WW3 tensions soar

(file pic) NATO scrambled jets overnight following a massive Russia attack on Ukraine (Image: Getty)

RAF jets "engaged" Russian drones overnight as Russia launched a series of fresh attacks on Ukraine, including some near the Western military alliance's border. Two Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft of the British Air Force, assigned to NATO's Enhanced Air Policing mission, were scrambled in the early hours of Saturday, April 25, after the Romanian Ministry of Defence detected drones operating close to its territory.

A statement by the ministry read: "The National Military Command Center notified the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) to implement population alert measures in the localities of Grindu and Isaccea, Tulcea County. A RO-ALERT message was issued at 02:14. The Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft established radar contact with a target located 1.5 km from Reni, above Ukrainian territory. The pilots were authorized to engage the drones.

"Ground-based MApN radars tracked a group of targets up to the area of Reni, Ukraine, where multiple explosions were reported. At 02:31, residents of the city of Galați reported via the 112 emergency service the fall of an object in the Bariera Traian area."

No casualties have been reported following the operation, the ministry said, but acknowledged minor damage to an outbuilding within a household and an electricity pole.

Drone fragments have been identified in several locations in the Galati area, which has been secured by the Romanian Police and military personnel from the Ministry of National Defence.

The Romanian Ministry condemned Russia, saying: " The Ministry of National Defence strongly condemns the irresponsible actions of the Russian Federation and emphasizes that they represent a new challenge to regional security and stability in the Black Sea area. Such incidents demonstrate the Russian Federation’s disregard for international law and endanger not only the safety of Romanian citizens but also NATO’s collective security."

This is thought to be the first time a RAF jet engages with a Russian drone since the beginning of the unlawful invasion of Ukraine. This new development may further raise tensions between the UK and Russia.

Russian officials and propagandists have been issuing threats against London in recent weeks over its continued support for Ukraine.

At least 14 people were injured in the Russian attacks in Ukraine (Image: East 2 West)

Poland also confirmed NATO forces were activated due to the latest Russian attack on Ukraine.

Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command announced the operation on X in the early hours of Saturday. It wrote: "Attention. In connection with the attack by the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine, conducted using airborne assault means, operations of Polish and allied aviation have commenced in our airspace.

"In accordance with the applicable procedures, the Operational Commander of the Armed Forces has activated the necessary forces and resources at his disposal. Operating among others are on-duty fighter aircraft and an early warning aircraft, while ground-based air defense systems and radar reconnaissance have reached a state of heightened readiness."

The command said the measures taken were "of a preventive nature" with the goal to secure and protect NATO's airspace in areas neighbouring with Ukrainian regions being pummeled by Russia.

Some four hours later, a new social media post announced the conclusion of the operations, adding no violation of the airspace of the Republic of Poland had been observed.

The NATO operation comes amid Russia's latest large-scale attack on Ukraine, which saw multiple cities being struck.

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Explosions rang out in cities in Kharkiv, Dnipro and Kyiv areas among others.

Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported that a four-storey building had been struck in Dnipro, as well as an unspecified "industrial infrastructure facility," amid the attack.

At least 14 people were injured, including a child, he added.

Russian attacks so close to the NATO borders have been prompting fears the war may spill over and directly involve a member of the alliance.

Should a member of the alliance come under attack, it could invoke NATO's Article 5 and demand the assistance of the whole group - and potentially drag it in a war against the Kremlin.