(File pic) NATO scrambled fighter jets in Poland this morning (Image: GETTY)
NATO fighter jets were scrambled in Poland and along the military alliance’s eastern flank on Friday as ‘s forces unleashed terror on .
The move is in response to launching a massive aerial attack against on Friday, firing 93 missiles and almost 200 drones, according to Ukrainian President .
In post on X, Poland’s Armed Forces Operational Control said: “Attention, due to another attack by the Russian Federation using cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles on objects located, among others, in western , military aviation has begun operating in our airspace.
“In accordance with applicable procedures, the Operational Commander of the RSZ activated all available forces and resources at his disposal, the on-duty fighter pairs were scrambled, and the ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems reached the highest state of readiness.”
The statement added: “The steps taken are aimed at ensuring safety in areas bordering the threatened areas.
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“The Operational Command of the Armed Forces is monitoring the current situation, and its subordinate forces and resources remain in full readiness for immediate response.”
Earlier Mr Zelensky described the attack as one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector since ‘s full-scale invasion almost three years ago.
Ukrainian defenses shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year, Mr Zelensky continued.
is “terrorising millions of people” with such assaults, he said on his Telegram channel, renewing his plea for international unity against Russian President .
He added: “A strong reaction from the world is needed: a massive strike – a massive reaction. This is the only way to stop terror.”
Another Russian missile strike against Ukraine. Cruise missiles, ballistic missiles. According to preliminary reports, 93 missiles were launched, including at least one North Korean missile. A total of 81 missiles were shot down, 11 of which were cruise missiles intercepted by…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa)
But uncertainty surrounds how the war might unfold next year. President-elect , who takes office next month, has vowed to end the war and has thrown into doubt whether vital US military support for Kyiv will continue.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv said Friday’s attack also targeted transport networks and other key facilities.
has repeatedly attempted to cripple ‘s electricity system in an effort to break the will of civilians left in the dark with no running water or heating and to disrupt Ukrainian defence manufacturing.
Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said energy workers were doing everything necessary to “minimise negative consequences for the energy system,” promising to release more details on damages once the security situation allowed it.
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’s air force reported multiple strike drones launched at overnight followed by swarms of cruise missiles in the country’s air space. It said also used air-launched ballistic Kinzhal missiles against ’s western regions.
Moscow has declared that the aerial attacks are aimed at hobbling ’s defense industry, thwarting the production of missiles, drones, armored vehicles and artillery, among other weapons.
A similar massive attack on Nov. 28 involved about 200 missiles and drones and left more than a million households without power until emergency teams restored supplies.
Ukrainian officials have warned that is stockpiling cruise and ballistic missiles for more attacks.
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