Russia Launches Largest Drone, Missile Attack on Ukraine NATO Scrambles Jets

Russia launched the largest attack in the history of the war against Ukraine, firing over 500 drones and two dozen missiles targeting civilian infrastructure, especially energy facilities, across western and central Ukraine including Kyiv. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted the majority of these aerial threats, downing hundreds of drones and missiles, though some strikes caused damage and injuries. NATO responded by scrambling warplanes along its borders, particularly in Poland, which heightened airspace security measures to protect citizens near the conflict zone. The attacks coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin attending a military parade in Beijing alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing disappointment in Putin and accusing the three leaders of conspiring against the United States. Putin claimed a desire for a peaceful resolution but warned military means might be necessary if talks fail, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for increased sanctions to pressure Russia's war economy. China, India, and North Korea's support of Russia through military aid and oil purchases continues to bolster Russia's war effort amid ongoing international diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.