NATO fighter jets scrambled as Vladimir Putin unleashes nuclear-capable bombers

NATO was forced to scramble warplanes close to Ukraine's border due to intense overnight strikes by Vladimir Putin's Russia, with nuclear-capable bombers being deployed

The alliance scrambled Polish and other Allied warplanes after strategic Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers were used. Warsaw’s armed forces operational command said: “In connection with another attack by the Russian Federation striking objects on the territory of Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation has begun operating in our airspace.”

The Operational Commander “activated all available forces and resources at his disposal, on-duty fighter pairs were scrambled, and ground systems of air defence and radio-location detection reached maximum alert.”

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The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said 582 aerial threats fired by Russia were targeted at Ukraine last night. It included more than 500 Shahed-type strike drones and eight ballistic missiles. A total of 37 Kh-101, Kalibr, Iskander-K, and Kh-59 missiles were launched at Ukraine.

Five missiles and 24 strike drones hit seven locations after 548 aerial targets were shot down, officials said. Debris from intercepted targets fell on 21 other sites.

Reports say one person was killed and another injured in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region. Emergency services responded to a five-story residential building where dozens, including children, were injured.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for new sanctions on Russia following an intense week of strikes on Ukraine. A major missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight from Wednesday to Thursday that killed at least 23 people.

"We saw the world's response to the previous strike. But now, as Russia once again shows its utter disregard for words, we count on real action," Zelensky said. "It is absolutely clear that Moscow used the time meant for preparing a leaders-level meeting to organize new massive attacks. The only way to reopen a window of opportunity for diplomacy is through tough measures against all those bankrolling the Russian army and effective sanctions against Moscow itself – banking and energy sanctions.

"This war won’t stop with political statements alone; real steps are needed. We expect action from the US, Europe, and the entire world."

Russia hammered Ukraine with almost 600 drones and more than 30 missiles overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, including rare strikes on Kyiv city centre.

Rescue workers pulled 17 people from the rubble after the Kyiv attack, among them four children, interior minister Ihor Klymenko said. The youngest victim was a two-year-old girl. More than 50 people were wounded.

“Thousands of personnel from the Interior Ministry’s agencies and units worked at the strike sites in Kyiv, rotating every few hours,” Mr Klymenko said of the 30-hour rescue operation.

Efforts to stop the fighting with a ceasefire and end Europe’s biggest conflict since the Second World War through a comprehensive peace settlement have made no progress despite intense diplomatic manoeuvring.

European Union defence ministers expressed outrage on Friday over Russia’s continuing onslaught in Ukraine and vowed to exert more pressure on Moscow.