NATO Responds to Massive Russian Air Assault

A massive Russian missile and drone assault on Ukraine, involving over 500 aerial threats, prompted NATO warplanes to scramble and Poland to activate its air defenses to secure its borders. The attacks have raised concerns that the conflict could spill into neighboring NATO countries. During the barrage, Ukrainian pilot Lt-Col Maksym Ustimenko was credited with downing seven air targets before being killed. In a related incident, German fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft near the Baltic Sea, marking the ninth such interception this year. These frequent provocations have escalated tensions between Russia and NATO, with alliance leaders warning of an increased threat. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has refused to engage with President Putin following the intensified Russian assaults.