Poland scrambles fighter jets as Russia launches large-scale strikes across Ukraine

In Ukraine, strikes were reported in several cities, with Kyiv among the affected areas. President Wolodymyr Selenskyj addressed the situation in public remarks, as he has done repeatedly during previous waves of Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and population centres. The Ukrainian air force said it was engaged in intercepting missiles and drones, without immediately providing a full count of casualties or damage.

Russian claims and Ukrainian response

The Russian defence ministry statement framed the operation as a precision strike on military-industrial and energy sites it said support Ukraine's war effort. Such Russian claims have not been independently verified by independent observers, and Ukrainian officials have disputed the targeting descriptions in previous attacks of this kind.

Poland's decision to put air defences on high alert underscored how spillover from the war in Ukraine continues to shape the security posture of NATO's eastern flank. Warsaw has previously scrambled or readied aircraft in response to Russian strikes on western Ukraine, citing the risk of stray missiles or drones entering Polish airspace.

NATO eastern flank on alert

The escalation comes against the backdrop of an intensified Russian aerial campaign against Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian energy infrastructure and rail hubs have been frequent targets in earlier waves of attacks, with officials in Kyiv warning that renewed strikes could complicate repair efforts before the winter heating season.

Western governments have condemned the strikes and reiterated calls for stronger air-defence assistance to Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have continued to press allies for additional interceptor missiles and air-defence systems, arguing that current supplies are insufficient to counter the tempo of Russian launches.

Allied air-defence support

There was no immediate indication from Polish officials that Polish airspace had been violated during the latest Russian operation. The scramble of fighter jets was described as a precautionary measure consistent with NATO standing procedures for monitoring activity along the alliance's eastern border.

The Russian defence ministry regularly announces strikes via Telegram, where it posts daily or near-daily updates on the conduct of what Moscow describes as its "special military operation" in Ukraine. Independent verification of the specific targets, weapons used and effects of Thursday's strikes was not immediately available.

Diplomatic contacts between Russia and Ukraine have remained limited in recent months, with both sides trading blame for the lack of progress on a possible settlement. The renewed strikes are likely to harden positions on both sides and could complicate any behind-the-scenes discussions mediated by third countries.