Warsaw, Poland — NATO scrambled fighter jets over Poland on Tuesday as Russia deployed nuclear-capable strategic bombers and missiles in a large-scale attack on Ukraine, raising regional security concerns.
Russian Tu-95MS bombers targeted multiple Ukrainian cities, triggering air raid sirens and sending residents in Kyiv rushing to underground metro shelters. Explosions were reported in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Sumy, and across the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Chernihiv. Drone strikes also caused injuries, according to local reports.
Amid fears that Russian aircraft and missiles could approach Polish airspace, Warsaw’s Armed Forces Operational Command ordered NATO warplanes to patrol the border.
“Due to the activity of long-range Russian aviation striking targets, particularly in western Ukraine, military aviation has begun operating in Polish airspace,” the command headquarters said in a statement. Ground-based air defenses and radar reconnaissance were also placed on high alert.
The escalation comes just one day after a U.S. B-52 bomber flew less than 50 miles from Russia’s border in a show of force. The bomber, capable of carrying nuclear and conventional weapons, departed from RAF Fairford in the UK and was escorted by F-35 and F/A-18 fighter jets. The flight coincided with a NATO military parade in Tallinn, Estonia, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The attack on Ukraine occurred as diplomatic tensions mount between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to advocate for a peace agreement favorable to Ukraine, but recent U.S. diplomatic moves suggest a shift in policy.
Over the past week, ceasefire negotiations have intensified, but they have taken place without Ukrainian representatives. President Donald Trump has faced criticism for allegedly sidelining Kyiv in discussions with Russia. Last week, Trump falsely labeled Zelensky “a dictator without elections,” despite Ukraine’s vote postponement due to martial law.
Further straining U.S.-Ukraine relations, Washington sided with Moscow in two United Nations votes that avoided condemning Russia’s military campaign. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed what he described as a “more balanced” American position, stating, “The U.S. is truly working toward resolving the Ukraine conflict.”
Zelensky, aware of Trump’s apparent opposition to his leadership, signaled over the weekend that he would step down if it facilitated Ukraine’s entry into NATO or secured other international security guarantees. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that Moscow would only end hostilities under terms that “suit” Russia.
Hours before the latest bombardment, the European Union and the United Kingdom imposed fresh sanctions on Russia. In response, Peskov accused the West of prolonging the war.
As Russian missiles and drones struck Ukrainian infrastructure early Tuesday, at least two Tu-95MS bombers were reported taking off from Russia’s Olenya air base in the Arctic. Ukraine’s military reported intercepting six out of seven missiles and 133 out of 213 drones, while an additional 79 drones failed to reach their targets.
Moscow’s defense ministry later claimed the strikes had successfully targeted Ukraine’s military airfields. One reported target was Mirhorod Air Base in Poltava, home to Ukraine’s 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on energy infrastructure forced emergency blackouts, according to Ukraine’s energy minister Herman Halushchenko.
“In order to minimize the possible consequences for the energy system, emergency electricity restrictions have been applied,” Halushchenko stated. “As soon as security allows, we will assess the full damage.”
In a retaliatory overnight operation, Ukrainian drones struck a major Russian oil refinery in Saratov, part of the Kremlin-affiliated Rosneft conglomerate. At least 11 explosions were reported near Engels, a Russian military hub home to strategic bombers. Russian air defenses engaged the attacks, but the extent of the damage remains unclear.
Following Russia’s latest strikes, Polish military radar detected heightened NATO aircraft activity near the Polish-Ukrainian border. Warsaw’s Armed Forces Operational Command confirmed the deployment of F-16s and possibly U.S. and Norwegian F-35s stationed in Krzesiny.
This marks the second time in recent weeks that NATO forces have been placed on high alert. Earlier this month, allied fighter jets were scrambled after Russia launched low-flying Kalibr missiles at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
“The measures taken are aimed at ensuring security in the territories bordering the threatened areas,” Poland’s military command said. “Our forces remain fully prepared for an immediate response.”
While European and Canadian leaders gathered in Kyiv to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Trump remained in Washington, hosting French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron reaffirmed his support for Ukraine, warning that “peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine.”
As Moscow intensifies its aerial assaults and diplomatic tensions escalate, the risk of further conflict spilling into NATO territory remains high.
