NATO has scrambled British fighter jets after a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine that lasted more than 10 hours and spilled close to alliance territory.
According to officials, Russia launched more than 47 missiles and 619 drones during the overnight assault, with some reportedly breaching the airspace of neighbouring Romania.
Fragments of drones were later discovered in the southeastern Romanian city of Galati, marking what authorities said was the first time property damage had occurred on NATO soil following such incidents.
Romania’s defence ministry condemned the development, stating: “The defence ministry firmly condemns the irresponsible actions of the Russian Federation and emphasises that these represent a new challenge to regional security and stability in the Black Sea area.
“Such incidents demonstrate the Russian Federation’s lack of respect for the norms of international law and endanger not only the safety of Romanian citizens, but also the collective security of NATO.”
Two Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from the UK’s air-policing mission in Romania were deployed to monitor the situation, while residents in nearby Tulcea county were advised to seek shelter.
Inside Ukraine, the southeastern city of Dnipro was among the hardest hit, with residential areas struck during the prolonged bombardment. Authorities said at least seven people were killed, five in Dnipro and two in Chernihiv, while more than 30 others were injured, including a child.
Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the casualties, saying: “Right now, 11 people are in hospitals in Dnipro after Russia’s attack on the city.
“A rescue operation continues at the site of the strike on a residential building. People may still be trapped under the rubble. Throughout nearly the entire night, the Russians struck Dnipro and our other cities and communities.”
He added: “Practically all night, the Russians bombed Dnipro and our other cities and communities,” and called for urgent international support to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences.
Regional officials in Chernihiv said two people were killed and seven wounded in separate strikes, while attacks were also reported in Odesa and Kharkiv. The escalation highlights growing tensions along NATO’s eastern flank, where repeated incursions by Russian drones into alliance airspace have raised concerns about regional security and the risk of wider conflict.