NATO Scrambles Warplanes Amid Record Russian Drone, Missile Attacks on Ukraine

Russia launched its largest drone and missile attack on Ukraine since the conflict began, with a total of 741 aerial strikes including 728 drones, seven cruise missiles, and six hypersonic missiles targeting multiple regions, especially Lutsk and Ternopil. Ukraine's air defenses successfully intercepted or neutralized the vast majority of these strikes, downing 711 drones, all seven cruise missiles, and a significant number of other incoming threats, marking a major defensive achievement. The scale and timing of the attack were seen by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a signal that Russia is not committed to peace efforts despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations. NATO forces responded by scrambling warplanes, particularly from Poland, to secure airspace near Ukraine's western border and support regional security. The Polish Armed Forces declared heightened readiness, activating all available resources including fighter jets and ground-based air defenses to counter the threat. The assault also prompted a shift from U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized Putin’s actions but pledged renewed weapons support to Ukraine following the heavy bombardment.