NATO forces scrambled warplanes in self-defense today as Russian President Vladimir Putin launched some of the heaviest airstrikes on Ukraine in months, killing multiple civilians, including three children.

The barrage, which included conventional missiles fired from Russia’s nuclear-capable Tu-22M3, Tu-95MS, and Tu-160 strategic bombers, as well as kamikaze drones, targeted Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. In response, Polish military high command activated all available forces and resources along NATO’s eastern flank.

The conflict escalated further as Ukrainian drone strikes hit Russian territory, prompting panic in Moscow. Kremlin air defenses reportedly fired at and missed a civilian Airbus A320-251N carrying tourists from Bodrum, Turkey. Amid the chaos, at least 10 Russian government aircraft, including four Tu-154s, one Il-62M, two Tu-134s, a Tu-214, an Il-76MD, and an An-148, fled Moscow eastward toward the Urals. It remains unclear whether this exodus was a drill or a genuine emergency evacuation. The drone attacks also forced the temporary closure of major Moscow airports.

The intensifying violence underscores the growing volatility in the region, with both sides deploying significant military assets and NATO reinforcing its defensive posture. (ILKHA)