NATO fighters scrambled after fears 500-missile Russian attack could spill out of Ukraine

The attacks occurred overnight.

Overnight, Vladimir Putin launched more than 500 missiles and drones across Ukraine with NATO met with fears that the Russian blitz could spill into neighbouring European countries.

Poland confirmed that its fighter jets had been launched and air defences placed on full alert.

The attack involved Tu-95 strategic bombers, MiG fighter jets, hypersonic Kinzhal 'Dagger' missiles, Iranian-designed Shahed drones and Iskander ballistic missiles.

The aerial assault devastated parts of Ukraine, triggering a response from Kyiv's air force, officials from which said 475 of the 537 threats were shot down.

Poland's operational command confirmed that NATO fighter jets were launched in response to the attack.

The statement read: "Due to the attack by the Russian Federation carrying out strikes on objects located in the territory of Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation has begun operating in our airspace.

"The Operational Commander of the [armed forces] has activated all available forces and resources at his disposal.

"The on-duty fighter pairs have been scrambled, and the ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have reached the highest state of readiness.

"The steps taken are aimed at ensuring security in the areas bordering the threatened areas," it continued.

One pilot was confirmed to be killed in the attack.

Labelled a 'national hero', 32-year-old Lieutenant Col Maksym Ustimenko downed seven air targets before his aircraft was struck.

The Ukrainian airforce stated: "The pilot used the entire complex of on-board weapons, and shot down seven air targets.

"During the last exercise, his plane was damaged and began to lose altitude.

"Maksym Ustimenko did everything possible, took the plane away from a settlement, but did not have time to eject...

"He died like a hero," they added.

The airstrike was one of the most powerful since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Ivan Fedorov, head of the regional military administration, confirmed that 'a production facility of one of the enterprises was damaged' in the flight.

In Lviv, Mayor Andriy Sadovyi stated that Russian forces targeted critical infrastructure, however no civilian homes or lives were lost.