Nato scrambles warplanes as Putin unleashes heaviest strikes since war began

Nato scrambles its warplanes overnight after a major Russian attack on Ukraine last night

It is believed to be the most severe attack on Ukraine since the conflict began in 2023.

Lutsk and Ternopil, situated in the west of Ukraine, were some of the heaviest-hit targets, immediately sparking an emergency response from Nato forces in Poland.

A statement from Warsaw's armed forces command said: "In connection with the attack by the Russian Federation’s air forces carrying out strikes on objects located in the territory of Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation has begun operating in Polish airspace."

Russian drones and missiles also hit warehouses in the Kyiv region, setting fire to the buildings.

The attacks come just hours after US President Donald Trump criticised Putin as peace talks have failed to progress.

Trump has also promised to resume sending weapons to Ukraine after the country was 'hit very hard' by the Kremlin's missile and drone strikes in recent days, per Metro.

Kyiv claims that the majority of incoming missiles were destroyed by their air defences.

"The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defence Forces of Ukraine," according to Ukraine's Ministry of Defence.

Lutsk has suffered its worst attacks since the beginning of the war, including the use of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.

The city's mayor, Ihor Polishchuk, said: "Today was the most massive enemy attack with the use of UAVs and missiles on our city and community.

"Fortunately, at this minute, there is no information about the dead as a result of the enemy attack.

"Let’s give thanks to God! Our honour, respect and gratitude to the Air Defence Forces."