NATO Responds as Russia Intensifies Attacks on Ukraine, Raising Tensions
Concerns are escalating as NATO member Poland scrambled fighter jets and activated air defence systems following a series of Russian strikes on Ukraine this morning. the Polish Operational Headquarters reported that the actions were “preventive in nature and are aimed at securing and protecting the airspace,especially in the areas adjacent to the threatened regions,” triggered by Russia’s use of Tu-95MS strategic bomber aircraft.
The Russian attacks targeted key electricity infrastructure and residential buildings in Ukraine, disrupting water supplies and causing widespread power outages, notably on Kyiv’s west bank. Reports indicate casualties, including wounded women and children, and emergency services are working to recover bodies from the rubble of struck buildings. A postal warehouse was also reported ablaze.
These attacks followed Ukrainian drone strikes against two Russian shadow oil fleet tankers in the Black Sea, resulting in critically important fires. A major drone battery production plant in Alabuga, Tatarstan, Russia, was also engulfed in flames.
Amidst the escalating conflict,Ukrainian officials are reportedly traveling to Miami to meet with Donald Trump’s envoys,Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner,before planned peace talks with Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin next week.
The Ukrainian delegation does not include Andriy Yermak, the former head of Zelensky’s office, who recently resigned following a corruption scandal linked to kickbacks related to atomic energy. Yermak, who had his home searched by investigators, expressed frustration over the allegations and announced his intention to join the frontline forces, stating he was “disgusted by the filth directed at me, and even more disgusted by the lack of support from those who know the truth.”
Further Ukrainian strikes targeted Saki airport in Russian-occupied Crimea, reportedly destroying warehouses containing Orion drones.